TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Three police officers were injured late Saturday during a Dajia Mazu pilgrimage procession in Changhua City, per CNA.
Police arrested a man surnamed Chen (陳) at the scene and seized drugs. He will be prosecuted Sunday on charges of obstructing official duties, assault, and drug offenses, while police are continuing to search for three other suspects.
The nine-day, eight-night pilgrimage was passing through the Ziqiang Road section of Changhua City when a group of people dressed in orange clashed with police officers. Some officers were pushed to the ground, and the scene was chaotic.
Some onlookers lamented the violent confrontation, which has occurred during previous pilgrimages.
The Changhua County Police Bureau said in a statement Sunday morning that a scuffle broke out between members of the same temple group. Police intervened to quell the disturbance.
During the altercation, officers were pushed and shoved by Chen and others, resulting in a broken nose for detective Hsiao (蕭) of the Changhua Precinct and minor injuries to officers Chiu (邱) and Huang (黃). All three were taken to Show Chwan Memorial Hospital for treatment, according to CNA.
Changhua County Chief Police Inspector Chen Shih-huang (陳世煌) dispatched staff to the hospital to visit the injured officers and requested that the hospital provide the best possible medical care. A response team was sent to protect the palanquin, with reserve officers deployed to strengthen security along sections of the route where scuffles might occur.
The Changhua County Police Bureau said that after Chen’s arrest, officers found he was carrying a coffee packet containing drugs and ketamine cigarettes, per the report. He also has a history of gang affiliation and multiple prior criminal cases.
Three other suspects have been identified and are under investigation by prosecutors, with arrest warrants issued. Police have also summoned a temple manager surnamed Lin (林), who was not involved in the assault, for questioning.
The National Police Agency is investigating whether gangs are using religious activities as a pretext for violence. Police said they will strictly enforce the law and hold accountable anyone who uses religion as a pretext for violence, underscoring their determination to maintain public order.
