Following the Iron, Now Fire Extinguisher: Repeated Apartment Object Throwing... What Are the Punishment Levels?

Fire Extinguisher and Delivery Box Fall Outside Apartment
Fortunately, No Casualties or Vehicle Damage Occurred

Recently, crimes involving throwing objects from high-rise apartments causing injuries or damaging vehicles have been occurring repeatedly. In this context, the police have launched an investigation after receiving a report that an unidentified person threw a fire extinguisher and a delivery box onto the ground at an apartment in Incheon.

On the 26th, the Namdong Police Station in Incheon announced that at around 4:30 p.m. on the 21st, a 112 emergency call was received reporting that a fire extinguisher and delivery boxes had fallen into the parking lot of an apartment in Namdong-gu. The reporter, Mr. A, witnessed the scene at the apartment’s ground-level parking lot and told the police that "someone deliberately threw objects from the apartment corridor."

On the 26th, the Namdong Police Station in Incheon announced that a 112 emergency call was received on the 21st at around 4:30 PM reporting that a fire extinguisher and delivery boxes had fallen in the parking lot of an apartment in Namdong-gu. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Photo by Pixabay]

The police collected the fire extinguisher and delivery boxes and sent them to the National Forensic Service (NFS) for analysis to identify the suspect. They are also analyzing CCTV footage from the surrounding area. It is known that no casualties or vehicle damage occurred due to the objects thrown onto the ground. A police official stated, "The person who threw the objects has not yet been identified," adding, "We are investigating the circumstances of the incident based on witness statements."

Earlier, on the 26th as well, a man in his 40s, Mr. B, was sent to the police on suspicion of throwing an iron outside in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do. Mr. B is suspected of throwing an iron at an apartment in Samcheon-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, at around 7 p.m. on the 12th. At the time, a citizen was passing through the apartment complex but fortunately avoided the falling iron and was not injured. During the police investigation, Mr. B stated that there was no intent, saying, "I threw the iron outside without any particular reason," and "I did not intend to hurt anyone."

Ongoing Incidents of Throwing Objects from Apartments: What Are the Punishment Levels?

Throwing objects from high floors of an apartment can lead to serious accidents if pedestrians are hit. In fact, in 2015, a housewife who was looking after a cat in a flowerbed at an apartment complex in Yongin was struck and killed by a brick that fell from the rooftop. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Photo by Pixabay]

Throwing objects from high floors of apartments can lead to serious accidents if pedestrians are hit. In fact, in 2015, a housewife who was taking care of a cat in a flower bed at an apartment complex in Yongin died after being hit by a brick that fell from the rooftop. This case, widely known as the "Cat Mom Incident," was revealed to have been committed by an elementary school student living in the same apartment.

In addition, in recent years, incidents of throwing objects from high-rise apartments have occurred frequently, causing anxiety among apartment residents. In cases of throwing objects from high floors, there are many instances where the suspect is identified as a child, such as in the Pyeongtaek dumbbell incident or the Cat Mom incident. According to current law, children under the age of 10 cannot be punished. They are completely exempt from criminal responsibility. However, even if under 10 years old, while criminal punishment is impossible, civil liability can still be established separately, and in many cases, parents and victims proceed with civil settlements.

For example, in 2017, three children aged 6 to 9 dropped potatoes and damaged a vehicle at an apartment in Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do. Although they did not receive criminal punishment, the parents reached a settlement with the victim for repair costs. Also, minors aged 10 or older but under 14 do not have criminal responsibility for illegal acts and are not punished criminally. Instead, they may be sent to juvenile detention centers or receive protective measures such as community service. Civil cases can proceed separately.

If an adult commits such a crime, the punishment varies depending on whether there is damage or injury. If an object is thrown and damages vehicles or other property, the offender is punished for property damage. If a person is injured, charges of assault can be established. The severity of punishment depends on the extent of the injury. Adults may also face civil lawsuits separately if the victim desires, in addition to criminal punishment.