Taipei: A motorcyclist was issued 26 traffic tickets totaling NT$36,000 (US$1,202) and referred to prosecutors for suspected public endangerment during a street racing crackdown in Taoyuan early Saturday, the city’s police department said Sunday.

According to Focus Taiwan, Chang Wen-cheng, head of the Yangmei Precinct’s traffic division, reported that the precinct’s Xinwu branch received information around 5 a.m. Saturday about multiple vehicles street racing on Section 1 of Zhongshan East Road in Xinwu District. In response, local police units initiated a joint operation to curb the illegal activity, during which several suspected vehicles were identified.

Chang explained that as officers attempted to question those involved, one motorcyclist refused to comply and fled the scene. After a five-minute pursuit, the individual voluntarily stopped and submitted to police questioning. The rider, identified as a 23-year-old man surnamed Hsu, admitted to fleeing due to fear of reprimand.

Hsu was found to have committed multiple traffic violations during the chase, including running several red lights, swerving, making illegal turns, and failing to signal. Consequently, he was arrested on suspicion of endangering public safety and issued 26 traffic tickets totaling NT$36,000.

Regarding other vehicles involved in the street racing incident, Yangmei Precinct is reviewing surveillance footage to gather evidence of traffic and public safety violations. The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office has also joined the investigation, examining the identities of the vehicles and drivers involved in the street racing.

Chang further noted that 27 vehicles and two trucks used to transport them are under investigation for potential public safety violations.