Man, 23, arrested after slashing cop with a knife
He was outnumbered three to one by men who approached him and identified themselves as police officers.
Yet the young man was brazen enough to brandish a knife and lunged to slash one of them.
The attack took place yesterday night near the man's home in Geylang East Avenue 1, the police said in a statement.
Three plainclothes officers from the Criminal Investigation Department's (CID) Technology Crime Investigation Branch had mounted an operation there to follow up on a complaint under the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act.
At 9.45pm, they saw the 23-year-old, approached him and introduced themselves as police officers.
The suspect whipped out a knife and attacked the officers. A 43-year-old officer suffered a deep slash wound on his right arm.
SUBDUED
The officers swiftly subdued the suspect and arrested him for voluntarily causing hurt by a dangerous weapon.
The knife used in the attack was recovered and seized as a case exhibit.
The injured officer was taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he was warded and is reported to be in stable condition.
The police later searched the suspect's apartment and found items suspected to be drug paraphernalia and controlled drugs.
The drug-related items have been referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau for follow-up investigations.
The New Paper understands that the suspect is married and runs a food stall.
When TNP went to his apartment at Central Grove condominium last night, a middle-aged woman came to the door but declined to comment.
"I don't think we should say anything at this point," she said.
A neighbour said he was unaware of the incident.
CID director Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations & Intelligence) Tan Chye Hee said: "While policing is a profession not without its risks and hazards, the police have zero tolerance towards such acts of violence towards police officers or public servants who are carrying out their duties.
"The police will not hesitate to take stern action against those who blatantly disregard the law and harm police officers. We will see to it that they are dealt with to the fullest extent of our laws."
The suspect is expected to be charged in court today. If convicted, he can be jailed for up to seven years. He can also be fined and/or caned.
The police will not hesitate to take stern action against those who blatantly disregard the law and harm police officers. We will see to it that they are dealt with to the fullest extent of our laws.
- CID director Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations & Intelligence) Tan Chye Hee
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