14 hurt in South Korean car and stabbing attack
Aug. 3 (UPI) -- At least 14 people were injured Thursday when a man in South Korea drove his car into people and then began stabbing other victims on a sidewalk near a Seoul subway.
Nine people were stabbed, with eight in critical condition, while five people were struck by the vehicle including two who sustained serious injuries, officials said.
The ages of the victims ranged from 20-70.
Police arrested a 23-year-old man suspect with the surname Choi near the Seohyeon Station. His motives were not known and he had no accomplices according to police.
The attack started with a car driving onto a sidewalk and hitting people. The driver then got out and began randomly stabbing people while uttering incomprehensible statements, according to police.
According to witnesses, the man wore a black outfit and sunglasses while brandishing a large knife when he got out of his car and entered a nearby department store where he stabbed people.
South Korean police Commissioner General Yoon Heekeun said it was an act of terror. He said during a video meeting police will increase patrols in crowded areas and strengthen surveillance.
"There are concerns over copycat crimes due to a series of accidents, with people expressing fears of coming out onto the street," he said.
