Incheon stabbing suspect reportedly considered a daycare centre as target
In short
An Incheon stabbing suspect told investigators he had considered targeting a daycare centre before rejecting the idea, Korean outlets reported, citing Dong-A Ilbo. Choe Chung-rak (최충락), 59, is in custody on suspicion of attempting to kill 10 people at a commercial building on October 13; eight were injured.
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A man held over an Incheon stabbing attack told police he had considered a daycare centre as a target but decided against it, Dong-A Ilbo reported. Other Korean outlets subsequently relayed that account. Choe Chung-rak (최충락), 59, is suspected of attempting to kill 10 people at a commercial building in Incheon's Guwol-dong on October 13. Eight people were injured. Seoul Shinmun reported on October 18 that the suspect had not named a specific daycare centre, citing SBS. [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]
Police counted the eight injured people and two others whose clothing was torn as alleged attempted-murder victims, Yonhap reported on October 17. It said police applied the charge despite the suspect's denial of an intention to kill, taking account of his method of attack and the body areas struck. The attack began at about 13:48 in a building containing a large supermarket and a cinema. Later reports said a 19-year-old woman remained unconscious after being taken to hospital in cardiac arrest and undergoing emergency surgery. [ 5 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]
The court issued a detention warrant on October 16, with Dong-A Ilbo and Seoul Shinmun citing concern that the suspect might flee. At court he apologised to the victims but denied carrying 6.8 million won in cash to escape. He linked his actions to pressure arising from a dispute over treatment for a skin condition. Reports said he had told police he wanted to draw public attention to his grievances, but he denied acting to attract attention when questioned by reporters at court. Police searched his home on October 17, and Yonhap said investigators planned to examine his motive, advance preparations and any attempt to flee. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]
Why it matters
Police are investigating how far the attack was planned and whether the suspect intended to flee. Reports distinguish the 10 alleged attempted-murder victims from the eight people physically injured.
Key facts
- Police counted 10 alleged attempted-murder victims, including eight injured people and two whose clothing was torn. [ 5 ]
- The attack occurred at about 13:48 on October 13 in Guwol-dong, Incheon. [ 1 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 8 , 9 ]
- A court issued a detention warrant on October 16. [ 3 , 4 , 9 ]
- Dong-A Ilbo reported that the suspect said he had considered, then rejected, a daycare centre as a target. [ 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The extent of advance planning and any intention to flee. Yonhap said police would investigate these issues; the suspect denied carrying cash to escape.
- The suspect's account of his motive. Reports relay police statements about seeking public attention, while he denied that motive to reporters at court.