Taxi Driver Who Blocked Ambulance After Minor Collision Sent to Trial... Additional Charges Including Attempted Extortion Added

Charged with Attempted Extortion, Special Property Damage, and Violation of the Special Act on Insurance Fraud Prevention

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] A taxi driver who blocked an ambulance transporting an emergency patient to the hospital has been brought to trial.

According to the legal community on the 18th, the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office arrested and indicted taxi driver Choi Mo (31) on the 14th on charges of special assault (intentional accident) and obstruction of business. In addition to special assault and obstruction of business, Choi was also charged with attempted extortion, special property damage, violation of the Special Act on the Prevention of Insurance Fraud, and fraud.

On June 8, near Godeok Station on Subway Line 5 in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, Choi caused public outrage by blocking the ambulance for about 10 minutes, saying "Handle the accident first," after a minor collision with the ambulance. The ambulance was carrying a 79-year-old patient with stage 4 lung cancer who was experiencing breathing difficulties. The patient was transported to the hospital by another ambulance but ultimately passed away around 9 p.m. that day. Choi resigned from the taxi company two weeks after the accident.

The Gangdong Police Station, which investigated the case, deemed the matter serious and applied for an arrest warrant for Choi on charges of special assault (intentional accident) and obstruction of business. Judge Kwon Deok-jin, in charge of warrants at the Seoul Eastern District Court, issued the arrest warrant, stating that the necessity and appropriateness of detention were recognized. Choi was handed over to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment on the 30th of last month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.