'Poor Response Controversy' Incheon Stabbing Incident Receives 200,000 Signatures on Cheong Petition

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] More than 200,000 people agreed within two days to a Blue House petition demanding severe punishment for the police officers dispatched during the Incheon inter-floor noise stabbing incident, which sparked controversy over inadequate response.

The petition titled "We accuse Nonhyeon Police Station in Incheon for the police response issues in the 'inter-floor noise attempted murder case' reported daily. This is not a matter of inter-floor noise," posted on the Blue House petition board on the 19th, had garnered over 202,400 supporters as of 10 p.m. on the 21st, meeting the Blue House response requirement (over 200,000 supporters within 30 days).

The petitioner pointed out the inadequate response of the police officers dispatched to the scene during the stabbing incident. It also included claims such as problems arising during victim support and attempts by the police to persuade the victim's family.

Earlier, Nonhyeon Police Station in Incheon arrested Mr. A (48) on the 17th on charges of attempted murder and special injury. He is accused of wielding a weapon at a villa in Namdong-gu, Incheon, around 4:50 p.m. on the 15th, attempting to kill a family of three: a couple in their 50s, Mr. and Mrs. B, and their daughter in her 20s.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the time, Police Officer C from a local police substation and Inspector D from Nonhyeon Police Station were dispatched to the scene. However, controversy arose over inadequate response after it was revealed that these officers either left the scene or failed to join promptly despite the ongoing crime.

In this regard, the chief of Nonhyeon Police Station in Incheon has been suspended from duty. Two police officers dispatched to the scene, currently on standby orders, are also under disciplinary investigation.

Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, stated that day, "Protecting the lives and safety of the people is the most important mission and calling of the police. I deeply apologize to the victims, their families, and the public for failing to protect citizens in danger in this incident."

According to the victim's family, the wife among the couple was stabbed in the neck and remains unconscious, having undergone surgery due to progressing cerebral infarction. The husband and their daughter in her 20s also sustained injuries to their hands and face and are receiving hospital treatment.