An alternative-service conscript enlisted for less than seven hours at Chenggong Ling (成功嶺) military training camp in Taichung on Thursday stole an officer’s car keys and drove out of the base, police and military officials said.
The man, surnamed Lee (李), 26, went missing on Thursday, his first night for alternative service, they said.
Lee reportedly asked to use the toilet while service members were filling out their induction paperwork, but did not return, triggering a base-wide search.
Photo:Taipei Times
Military personnel in charge of the search contacted Lee’s family in Taipei upon discovering that the commander’s identification, car key and vehicle were also missing.
The family called at 2am on Friday saying that Lee was home, sleeping.
The military allowed Lee to remain home, an Army 10th Corps spokesperson said, citing concerns for his mental health.
The police have been informed about the incident and have launched a probe into Lee’s alleged impersonation of a commanding officer and flight from the camp, they said.
Enhanced security measures are being implemented to prevent escapes or infiltration of the base, the spokesperson said.
A spokesperson of the police unit stationed at the base confirmed news reports about the incident, saying that Lee has been asked to answer questions at the precinct.
A source said, on condition of anonymity, that Lee allegedly drove out of the base using his commander’s identification and vehicle, which indicates severe flaws in site security.
Additional reporting by Chang Hsuan-che
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