TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A police officer in central Taiwan shot and killed a man during a hostage situation in the early hours of Friday morning.

The incident took place in Toufen City, Miaoli County, and involved a 49-year-old man surnamed Tsai (蔡), who allegedly held his 45-year-old girlfriend, surnamed Chen (陳), at knifepoint, according to UDN.

Police responded to a report of domestic violence at a residence owned by Chen. Upon arrival, two young officers encountered Tsai holding Chen hostage with a knife. Despite repeated orders to drop the weapon, Tsai reportedly refused and cut Chen with the blade.

One of the officers, surnamed Wu (吳), fired two shots when Tsai allegedly lunged at police at close range. One bullet struck Tsai in the chest.

Tsai was transported to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead around 2 a.m., per LTN. Authorities said a support team has been assigned to assist Chen and the victim’s family.

Both officers involved in the incident have been on the Miaoli police force for less than two years.

The Miaoli District Prosecutors’ Office has launched an investigation to determine whether the use of lethal force was justified. Prosecutor Su Hao-hsiang (蘇皜翔) will lead the inquiry, with the office pledging to uphold objectivity and neutrality throughout the process.