(Video) Random stabbing in Taiwan leaves three injured; suspect subdued

A 48-year-old man with a history of violent crime unleashed terror on a Miaoli street Thursday afternoon, slashing three people, including two young schoolgirls, in a random attack near a convenience store before being subdued by police after a tense standoff at his home.

The incident unfolded around 3pm yesterday when the assailant, armed with a knife, targeted students and parents outside a local elementary school. 

In the chaos, he attempted to abduct a young girl but failed, retreating to his nearby apartment where he sat in the living room, still clutching the weapon. 

Responding officers confronted him there, eventually overpowering and arresting him without further injuries.

Among the victims were a 50-year-old man and two female students. 

One of the girls suffered a severe stab wound to her left chest and remains in intensive care, while the others are receiving treatment for their injuries. 

Police revealed the suspect has a troubled past, having served over eight years in prison for a 2015 assault. 

In that incident, under the influence of drugs and grappling with mental health issues, he attacked passersby with scissors at another convenience store, injuring four people, including a police officer. 

He was released from prison in March this year.