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Man allegedly armed with improvised flamethrower in Pasir Ris Park shot by police
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Two paths leading to the bird-watching tower were cordoned off when The Straits Times reached the park at around 12.40pm. ST PHOTO: NADINE CHUA
Nadine Chua and Samuel Devaraj
Updated
Nov 09, 2024, 07:51 AM
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SINGAPORE – A man who allegedly lured police officers to Pasir Ris Park and pointed an improvised flamethrower at them was shot by one of the officers on Nov 8.
The police said the 42-year-old man will be charged in court with attempted murder.
They said they received a call that a woman was sitting on the ledge at the top of a tower in the park at about 6am on Nov 8.
Responding to the call, four police officers arrived at the scene but did not see anyone in the bird-watching tower.
As they searched the area, the officers saw a man in a nearby hut.
When they approached him, the man ignited the device and directed the flames at them. The officers drew their weapons and ordered him to stop and drop the device.
But he did not comply despite several warnings and continued to advance towards them.
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Said the police: “As there was imminent threat to the safety of the officers, a 30-year-old police officer fired a shot at the man with his pistol.”
An improvised flamethrower (right) and a knife were seized at the scene of the incident. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
The suspect fell to the ground and was arrested by the officers.
The man, who had a knife near him, suffered puncture wounds on his left forearm and abdomen.
Officers provided first aid to the man before the Singapore Civil Defence Force arrived.
The assailant was taken to hospital, where he was undergoing surgery, the police said.
At least three police officers, four police cars and one police van were at the scene. ST PHOTO: NADINE CHUA
A 24-year-old police officer had abrasions and was treated at the scene.
The police said investigations revealed that the assailant was the one who had called them.
They said: “He had allegedly called and gave false information to lure the officers to the location, with the intent to cause harm to them.”
The police said this was not the man’s first brush with the law, and he has an outstanding arrest warrant for failing to attend court for his alleged involvement in a case of voluntarily causing grievous hurt and intentional harassment.
He had also previously committed hurt offences and those related to property.
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Speaking to the media at Bedok Police Division headquarters, Assistant Commissioner (AC) Justin Wong, the division commander, said this appeared to be a targeted attack against police officers.
Said AC Wong: “Preliminary investigations indicate that it was likely a deliberate attempt to lure officers to harm them. Our officers responded decisively, according to the situation and their training.
“I am proud of their courage and resilience. The police stand resolute, in the face of threats, to protect the public and our officers as part of our duty to keep Singapore safe and secure.”
When The Straits Times arrived at the park at around 12.40pm, both paths leading to the tower were cordoned off. At least three police officers, four police cars and one police van were at the scene.
Mr Nick Wheeler, 52, said he saw two police officers looking for something on the ground and in the bushes near the tower as he was strolling there at about 12.45pm.
The accountant, who lives nearby, usually uses the path leading to the tower during his regular walks, but had to make a detour this time due to the police cordon.
Police officers with evidence bags leaving the scene at Pasir Ris Park on Nov 8. ST PHOTO HESTER TAN
Mr Brian Chong, who cycles around Pasir Ris Park weekly, said he was shocked when he heard what had happened.
Said the 30-year-old who works in information technology: “Such incidents are rare in Singapore, so it’s quite scary. But if the man was intending to harm the public, it’s good the police intervened.”
In March 2022, the police shot a 64-year-old man who was under the influence of drugs at Block 33 Bendemeer Road. Ng Eng Kui had brandished a kitchen knife while standing in the doorway of his home, despite being confronted by four police officers.
After three attempts to incapacitate him with Taser shots failed, Ng stepped out to face the officers in a narrow corridor.
Assessing himself and his three colleagues to be in imminent danger, an officer fired a single round from his pistol, hitting Ng in the chest and killing him.
On Nov 4, in a coroner’s inquiry into Ng’s death, District Judge Kamala Ponnampalam ruled that the officer had not errantly discharged his firearm, adding that Ng’s death was an unfortunate misadventure.
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MDDI (P) 048/10/2024. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2024 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.
