TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — A viral video depicting a 28-year-old shirtless man causing havoc in a convenience store has ignited a heated debate regarding the police's use of force in Taiwan.
The incident unfolded when the man, identified as Chu, expressed his frustration after discovering that the store was temporarily out of a ready-to-eat, Italian-flavored chicken breast.
The video swiftly circulated on social media on Saturday (May 20), capturing Chu knocking over shelves while yelling and screaming.
The man, recognized as a professional bodybuilder and retired paratrooper in special operations, was dubbed the "Taiwan Hulk" by Internet users.
As the commotion escalated, two police officers arrived to diffuse the situation and assist the store clerk. However, their intervention only seemed to fuel the man's anger.
In the video, the shirtless man can be seen engaging in a physical altercation with the police officers, resulting in minor concussions and contusions to their faces and heads.
In response to media coverage, the manufacturer of the sought-after chicken breast flavor addressed the incident on Sunday (May 21) via a Facebook post.
They assured customers that despite the temporary shortage, their supplies remained plentiful and encompassed a variety of flavors.
Chu was apprehended after the altercation and transferred to the Taiwan Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office. He was released after posting bail amounting to NT＄50,000.
Allegations of police brutality also surfaced when one officer was accused of striking the man with a baton a reported 12 times.
An image showing Chu, handcuffed and sitting cross-legged outside the convenience store with blood streaming from his head further intensified the online debate over law enforcement's perceived excessive use of force.
In light of the events, police authorities announced that the police officer in charge, as well as the director and branch chief of the Zhongli branch police station, would face demerits.
The incident has ignited widespread discussions about police conduct and the appropriate use of force, with many calling for a thorough investigation.
As the public awaits further developments, the "Taiwan Hulk" incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding law enforcement and public interactions.
