TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – A man took a Cathay Pacific trainee hostage at knifepoint at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport before police successfully intervened, reports said Saturday.
The suspect entered a rest area for staff of the Hong Kong airline around 5 p.m. Saturday. He threatened a male trainee with a knife and took him hostage, leading to intervention by the Aviation Police Bureau, UDN reported.
A team stood by equipped with tasers and shields, while a broadcast told other airline staff to stay away from the rest area, per Liberty Times. The police’s Thunder Squad team entered the area at 5:50 p.m., successfully overpowering the suspect and freeing the trainee.
The trainee was moved to a hospital to be treated for a scratch between thumb and index finger. The suspect also suffered injuries as police overpowered him with the help of pepper spray, per Liberty Times. The suspect was believed to be in his 30s, but his motives were not clear yet.
During the operation, the authorities reportedly ordered a short evacuation of Terminal 1 while police searched for the suspect’s possessions. He had allegedly left a bag behind in an area open to travelers.
