Man Breaks into Taichung Wanhe Temple, Destroys Offerings and Statues; Police Send for Prosecution on Criminal Damage Charges

(Central News Agency reporter Hao Hsueh-ching, Taichung, 12th) During a celebration at Taichung's designated historic site, Wanhe Temple, this morning, a man suddenly broke in and overturned offerings and statues. Police arrived and subdued the agitated man, taking him into custody and sending him for prosecution on charges of criminal damage. The temple is working to quickly clean up and restore the site.

Taichung City Councilor Ho Wen-hai of the Democratic Progressive Party, who was present at the time, stated that while the chanting group was chanting, the man suddenly lost control and broke in, first pushing over and smashing tables with offerings and fruits. Temple staff immediately tried to stop him, but the man was agitated and swept statues to the ground, causing damage to multiple areas in Wanhe Temple's main hall, leaving the scene in disarray and startling the chanting group members and devotees.

The Fourth Precinct of the Taichung City Police Department said that upon receiving the report, they arrived at the scene to find a man surnamed Chang in an agitated state, overturning offerings and pushing down four Buddha statues and four light towers for unknown reasons.

Police stated that citizens at the scene first helped control the man surnamed Chang, and officers immediately took him to the police station upon arrival. They also asked the temple to inventory the financial losses and expanded their review of surrounding surveillance camera footage to further clarify the motive for the crime.

Wanhe Temple Secretary-General Chiang Hui-wen said in a media interview that the man surnamed Chang often frequented Wanhe Temple and wandered nearby, muttering to himself. This was the first time the man surnamed Chang had exhibited violent behavior. Fortunately, the Mazu statue was not damaged, but the offerings were scattered in a mess. The most severe damage was to the four light towers that were pushed down. The temple will compile a list of damages and mobilize volunteers to restore the site as soon as possible. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150512

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