Incheon attack suspect Choi Chung-rak scores below psychopathy cutoff in police test

Incheon police found that Choi Chung-rak (최충락), 59, scored below 25 points on a psychopathy diagnostic test, according to reports on 22 October that cite police and legal sources. Choi is held on suspicion of attempted murder and carrying a weapon in a public place after an attack at a large commercial building in Incheon. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]

The test used was the PCL-R, which has a maximum score of 40. In South Korea a person is classed as a psychopath above 25 points. Police had profilers interview Choi and turned his answers to 20 items into numbers measuring traits such as impulsivity, lack of empathy and irresponsibility. The reports do not give his exact score. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]

Police said on 21 October, according to Seoul Shinmun, that the test was under way and the result would be released before the case is sent to prosecutors. Police judged the test necessary because Choi said he attacked strangers and had also considered targeting a daycare centre. The outlet noted that a psychopathy finding is a reference for judging a defendant's tendencies and risk of reoffending, but does not by itself decide a sentence or lead to a reduction for diminished capacity. [ 1 ]

Choi is suspected of trying to kill 10 users of the see&see building in Guwol-dong, Namdong District, at about 1:48 pm on 13 October. The building houses a hypermarket and a cinema. Eight people were injured, including a 19-year-old woman who is unconscious, and two were not hurt. Seoul Shinmun, on 21 October, said the woman had been taken to hospital in cardiac arrest, regained a pulse after emergency surgery and remained unconscious in intensive care. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]

Seoul Economic Daily reported that Choi moved by escalator from the second basement floor, where the hypermarket is, up through the building. He injured one person on the first basement floor, six on the second floor and one on the third floor. After being blocked from entering the fourth floor, he came back down to the third floor, where other customers subdued him, the outlet said. Its opening line says he injured 10 people, but its later text says 8 were hurt and 2 were not. [ 4 ]

Choi told police he committed the crime to make news and draw attention to his grievances, according to Yonhap, Korea Economic Daily and Seoul Economic Daily. He said he did not pick specific targets but chose people who looked weaker than himself. Seoul Economic Daily added that he said he was dissatisfied with the hospital that treated him and with being investigated after the hospital reported him to police. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]

Seoul Economic Daily also reported that Incheon District Court issued an arrest warrant on 16 October, saying he might flee, and that police released his name, age and photograph that day. It said he reportedly has 10 convictions with fines or heavier penalties, including two for attempted murder. Seoul Shinmun said a petition calling for severe punishment had about 15,000 signatures by 20 October. Police continue to analyse evidence and question him about his motive and whether the attack was planned. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]