Taiwanese internet star injured in Linkou shooting

NEW TAIPEI, Aug 28  -- Taiwanese internet celebrity Holger Chen is being treated for injuries after being shot in the arm and leg early Friday outside a fitness center he founded in New Taipei City's Linkou District, Central News Agency (CNA) reported .

According to witnesses at the scene, the shooting occurred at 2:23 a.m., when a man fired three rounds at Chen, hitting him twice, as he was standing at the entrance of G.K. Fitness Club on Renai Road in Linkou.

Chen remained conscious throughout the incident, and even began a livestream as he lay on the ground waiting for medical help to arrive.

He was later taken to Linkou's Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for treatment.

According to Linkou police precinct, a 23-year-old man, surnamed Liu, turned himself in for the shooting at the district's Wenhua Police Station.

Police said they confirmed Liu as a suspect in the crime by reviewing surveillance camera footage and interviewing the driver of a taxi he took to the fitness centre.

Liu had reportedly been involved in a personal dispute with Chen in the days leading up to the shooting, and is currently being interrogated, police said.

Chen, meanwhile, underwent surgery on Friday morning for the injuries he sustained in the shooting.

According to Linkou police, one of the bullets passed through Chen's right arm before lodging in his right thigh, resulting in a comminuted bone fracture.

A second bullet entered his right calf and came to rest in his heel, they added.

Chen, 41, rose to fame through his presence on social media, and is known for his livestream broadcasts on topics ranging from weightlifting and mixed martial arts to politics and current events.

-- BERNAMA