Subway Metal Object Troublemaker: "Assaulted, Acted in Self-Defense"

A man in his 50s, Mr. A, who was arrested for causing a disturbance by attacking passengers with a metal object on the subway, told the police that he "was attacked first."

The Mapo Police Station in Seoul stated that considering the circumstances and Mr. A's history of mental illness, they found his statement unreliable and plan to request an arrest warrant on the 20th.

According to the police, Mr. A is suspected of causing abrasions and stab wounds to the faces of two male passengers with a small multi-purpose tool on a Seoul Subway Line 2 train running from Hongdae Entrance Station toward Hapjeong Station around 12:40 PM the previous day (special assault charges).

A man who caused a disturbance by attacking passengers with a metal object attached to a keychain inside a Seoul Subway Line 2 train on the 19th is being arrested by the police.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Mr. A told the police, "Several people attacked me on the train, so I defended myself by assaulting them." However, after reviewing medical records, the police confirmed that Mr. A had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had stopped treatment in January 2019.

Investigations revealed that Mr. A held the multi-purpose tool, known as a Makgeolli knife, in his hand without unfolding it while assaulting passengers.

Following Mr. A's disturbance, Seoul Metro decided to strengthen security by deploying all 55 subway security officers on trains for patrols for the time being.