30s Arrested for False Report of 'Stabbing Rampage at Cheongnyangni Station' While Drunk

A man in his 30s who made a false report claiming he would commit a stabbing rampage at Cheongnyangni Station was arrested while drinking at a restaurant in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Dongdaemun Police Station in Seoul announced on the 14th that an arrest warrant was issued on the 10th for Mr. A, who is suspected of obstructing official duties by deception.

Mr. A is accused of making a false 112 emergency call at around 9:10 p.m. on the 8th, saying, "I will stab people with a knife, at Cheongnyangni Station. I am going to stab and kill everyone." Police officers from Jeonnong Police Substation and detectives from the violent crimes unit who responded to the call apprehended the suspect at a restaurant near Cheongnyangni Station where he was drinking at around 9:20 p.m. During the police investigation, Mr. A reportedly stated, "I was lonely and wanted attention. I wanted to test how quickly the police would respond."

In the past, cases of false reports made under the influence of alcohol were punished relatively lightly, such as under the Minor Offenses Act. However, following recent stabbing rampage incidents at Sillim Station and Seohyeon Station, social anxiety has increased, and the police have taken a firm stance on responding strongly to such cases.

Seoul Dongdaemun Police Station
Photo by Yonhap News

The police stated, "Reports and messages predicting murder have surged since the stabbing rampage incidents at Sillim Station and Seohyeon Station on the 21st of last month. Among teenagers, murder predictions have spread like a trend, amplifying public anxiety. Therefore, we will concentrate all investigative efforts on acts predicting heinous crimes and conduct strict investigations. We will also do our best to alleviate citizens' anxiety in their daily lives."

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