A 50-year-old woman identified as Zhao was shot and seriously wounded Thursday afternoon near her residence on Shuiyuan Road in Taipei's Zhongzheng District.
The shooting occurred around 2 p.m. as Zhao left her home and walked toward a nearby alley. An assailant dressed entirely in a raincoat and face covering opened fire twice. One shot struck her abdomen; a second round jammed. Bystanders immediately called police. Zhao remained conscious and was rushed to National Taiwan University Hospital for treatment.
Police recovered two shell casings at the scene. The shooter fled on foot to a nearby alley, then boarded a waiting sedan and escaped. Officers traced the vehicle's registration to Chen, Zhao's estranged husband.
Zhao told investigators that despite the shooter's disguise, she believed the assailant was female based on physical characteristics including long hair and body movements. Police designated this as a priority investigative lead.
According to police, Zhao and Chen had been separated for an extended period. They have two children together, but Chen, who operates a waterproofing business, had been largely absent from home and uninvolved in childcare. The couple frequently argued over financial and emotional issues. Zhao had previously filed complaints against Chen for domestic violence and stalking, but both cases were closed due to insufficient evidence. Chen had made threats against his wife, police said.
Officers initially suspected Chen of orchestrating the shooting as retaliation. However, surveillance footage analysis revealed the shooter displayed characteristics consistent with a female assailant, including movement patterns and physical build.
Police determined that Chen drove the getaway vehicle. The two suspects fled toward New Taipei City's Xindian area. Officers arrested Chen at a rest stop on the Taisuian Expressway at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday, after tracking his vehicle as it traveled through Yilan and then south on National Highway 1.
During questioning, Chen denied involvement and refused to cooperate with investigators despite police presenting evidence against him.
Police established that after dropping off the shooter in the Zhonghe-Yonghe area of New Taipei, the female gunman changed clothes, carried a crossbody bag and handbag, and boarded a train at Nanshaojiao Station. Her last confirmed sighting was in the Sanchong area of New Taipei City. Police have identified her escape route and are actively pursuing her apprehension.
The case has been referred to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office and is being investigated under charges including attempted murder, intimidation endangering public safety, and violations of firearms and ammunition control regulations.