A series of incidents involving officers from the Gwangju Police Agency has come to light, including the disappearance of a gas sprayer used for detainee transport and an intoxicated officer assaulting a civilian.
On March 12, the Gwangju Western Police Station confirmed that a gas sprayer stored in a detention equipment locker was found to be missing as of Feb. 26.
Police said the loss emerged during equipment handovers following personnel reassignments.
Authorities suspect the device was removed from the locker during a suspect transport and subsequently lost.
The station searched the detention area, transport vehicles, the vehicle garage and a transport substation but has not recovered the device.
Investigators believe it likely went missing within the last month or two.
Regulations require that removal or return of such gas devices be recorded in a weapons-and-ammunition ledger; officials said the ledger shows standard entries in this case.
A Western Police Station official said the loss was reported to the Gwangju Police Agency and the National Police Agency, and the device’s serial number has been circulated nationwide.
Separately, an intoxicated officer allegedly assaulted a civilian.
Lieutenant A, assigned to a substation of the Gwangsan Police Station, has been booked on assault charges without detention.
Police say Lt. A struck taxi driver B in front of a market in Usan-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, at about 1:30 a.m. on March 11.
Investigators determined that after drinking with acquaintances, Lt. A took a taxi and, upon arrival, argued with the driver over the fare; the argument escalated into physical violence.
During questioning, Lt. A reportedly said he mistakenly believed the fare had been charged automatically.
Police plan to determine disciplinary measures after completing their investigation.
