TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- An American English teacher, who has had two recent run-ins with police before, in late January burst into a police station in New Taipei City in an intoxicated state and spit on and cursed a policewoman, prompting officers to arrest him on the spot, reported SETN.
The suspect, a 28-year-old American man identified as "Stephen," who works as an English teacher at a cram school in New Taipei City's Yonghe District, has become a familiar face with New Taipei police for causing disturbances after binge drinking. On Jan. 28, when again under the influence of alcohol, Stephen ran into the Yonghe Precinct station of the New Taipei Police Department, and physically and verbally assaulted a female police officer, leading to his arrest.
At about 7 a.m. on Jan. 28, Stephen ran into the Yonghe Police Station while roaring drunk. As he stood in front of the counter at the police station, Stephen could be heard blaring music from Bluetooth speakers, before the on-duty female police officer was able to persuade him to leave.
Stephen disturbing police officers. (New Taipei City Police Department photo)
Three hours later, Stephen barged back into the police station and again started causing a disturbance. When the policewoman admonished him to "not disturb the station environment," he spit at her and called her a "bitch" in English.
The female officer immediately called for the assistance of other police, who he also spit at and hurled insults on. After being arrested on the spot, Stephen was then transferred to the New Taipei City Prosecutor's Office on charges of obstruction of official duties.
According to police, on Nov. 12 of last year, Stephen was arrested for harassing a shop clerk at a supermarket in Yonghe District. On the morning of Nov. 14, Stephen hurled insults at police officers outside the Dingxi MRT Station and pulled off equipment from a police officer's utility belt, before fleeing the scene.
Stephen was then apprehended by New Taipei City Councilor Lo Wen-chung (羅文崇), who happened to be campaigning nearby.
After the most recent episode, Stephen was released without bail, as he had not inflicted any serious injuries.
