'I hit women too': Coffee shop clash leaves couple injured, woman later arrested
A night of drinking at a coffee shop in Yishun turned violent when a couple were allegedly assaulted by four men, leaving the man with broken ribs and the woman with a ruptured eardrum.
The woman was later arrested after police reviewed CCTV footage and found that she had also hit someone during the altercation.
The incident occurred at around 10pm on May 22 at a coffee shop at Block 293 Yishun Street 22.
Mr Chen, 46, said he and his girlfriend, Ms Chen, had been drinking with friends when a dispute broke out with a group of four men at a nearby table. He said the men were acquaintances and tensions escalated suddenly.
"My girlfriend tried to stop the fight and wanted to call the police, but they didn't let her go. One of them shouted, 'I hit women too,' before attacking her," Mr Chen told reporters.
According to him, three others joined in the assault. When Ms Chen tried to call the police, one man allegedly grabbed her phone and smashed it on the ground.
A police report seen by Stomp stated that one of the men grabbed Mr Chen by the neck, pushed him to the floor and began beating him, before others joined in.
Ms Chen said she was struck in the head during the commotion and the attackers only fled after someone shouted at them to stop.
"Four guys beat her, of course she defended herself and hit back. Then she was arrested as well," Mr Chen added.
A medical report later confirmed Mr Chen had fractured ribs, while Ms Chen was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss due to head trauma. Her medical bills have reportedly exceeded $3,000.
Mr Chen said she was still feeling dizzy two weeks after the incident and had to undergo a CT scan and follow-up visits.
He added that he suffered bruises and chest pain, and has been relying on painkillers since the incident.
Ms Chen was arrested for affray after police reviewed security footage and found that she had retaliated during the fight.
The police confirmed receiving a call for assistance at 10.40pm and said a 42-year-old woman was arrested. A 46-year-old man was taken to hospital in a conscious state. Investigations are ongoing.
Mr Chen believed the dispute was triggered by seating arrangements: "I don't know why they targeted us. Maybe they weren't happy we were sitting there - they said that place was 'theirs'."
He later posted about the incident on Stomp and social media, saying one of the men tried to settle the matter privately and offered to cover the medical expenses - but Ms Chen declined out of fear.
At the coffee shop, a beer promoter claimed that Mr Chen often became argumentative and would start scolding others after a few drinks.
Other regulars alleged that he had thrown a glass that night, sparking the fight.
Mr Chen denied the accusations. "I was just drinking quietly with my friends. I didn't provoke anyone or throw anything," he said.