100 Days Since Implementation of Weapon Possession Law in Public Places ... Gyeongnam Police Apprehend 15, Detain 5

Most Offenders in Their 40s; 12 Were Intoxicated

The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency announced on July 24 that, during the 100 days since the implementation of the crime of carrying a weapon in public places on April 8, it had apprehended 15 individuals for carrying weapons in public places within the province, of whom 5 were taken into custody.

According to Article 116, Paragraph 3 of the Criminal Act, anyone who, without just cause, possesses a weapon capable of causing harm to a person's life or body in a public place and displays it in a manner that causes public anxiety or fear is subject to imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Of the 15 individuals apprehended by the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, 14 were in their 40s, making up the majority, and 12 were found to have committed the offense while intoxicated.

The most common location for these incidents was on the street, accounting for 11 cases.

Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency. Photo by Lee Seryeong

Among the major cases, on June 30 in Jinju, a man in his 40s, while intoxicated, jaywalked and became enraged when a driver honked at him. He then brandished a weapon he was carrying in the air and wandered the streets before being taken into custody.

On July 11 in Miryang, a man in his 40s was apprehended and taken into custody after walking around intoxicated with a weapon and cutting an outdoor lighting cable, thereby damaging property.

According to the police, the crime of carrying a weapon in a public place is subject to immediate on-site arrest as a matter of principle, since leaving such offenses unchecked poses a high risk of escalating into secondary crimes with greater harm.

In addition, the police conduct comprehensive and multi-faceted investigations, including analyzing previous reports and criminal histories of similar offenses, and actively process the custody of suspects.

In cases where rehabilitation or treatment is needed, such as alcohol addiction or mental illness, the police coordinate with rehabilitation and treatment institutions. They also work closely with local organizations such as small business associations and merchants' associations to prevent and respond to such crimes.

A police official stated, "We will respond strictly to the act of carrying weapons in public places, which threatens the peaceful daily lives of citizens," and added, "If you witness such an offense, please report it promptly to help us apprehend offenders quickly and prevent further harm."

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