TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A 36-year-old man wanted by the authorities was fatally shot early Friday morning after attempting to flee a police checkpoint on the Jianguo Expressway in Taipei.

The suspect, identified by the surname Tsai (蔡), was driving a white sedan when he was stopped at a temporary inspection point, according to CNA. Tsai initially complied with officers but suddenly accelerated after being identified as a wanted fugitive, striking officers at the scene.

According to police statements, one officer was reportedly clinging to the car window as Tsai sped off. The vehicle collided with a guardrail and made several abrupt turns near the checkpoint.

Observing that a colleague had been injured, three officers drew their firearms and fired 12 shots to stop the vehicle. Tsai sustained gunshot wounds to the abdomen and underarm.

Emergency responders transported Tsai to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Two officers were injured during the incident, including one with a head laceration and another with multiple abrasions. Both are receiving treatment.

Authorities said drugs were found on Tsai and inside the vehicle. The case remains under investigation.

Police said the officers were carrying out lawful inspection duties and acted appropriately in response to an immediate threat.

Under Taiwan law, enforcement actions such as arrests are governed by Article 87, Paragraph 1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and are protected under Article 21, Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code, which exempts officers from liability when acting within their legal authority.

However, if force is used during an arrest that exceeds lawful limits, such as in the use of firearms, its legality must be assessed separately. While the assessment of whether the use of force constitutes lawful self-defense is typically complex, it can be broadly understood through two evaluative standards.

The first is a “pre-event” standard, based on what a reasonable person would have perceived at the time, taking into account the officer’s specific knowledge of the situation. The second is a “post-event” standard, which considers all available evidence collected after the incident from the perspective of the court, according to Gao Dian Law and Superbox.

To establish legitimate self-defense under Taiwan law, three criteria must be met: there must be an ongoing unlawful infringement, the act must aim to protect oneself or others, and the defensive response must be necessary and proportionate to the threat.