Man, 43, arrested after allegedly causing disturbance while emergency crews respond to Yishun HDB fire
A 43-year-old man was arrested after allegedly directing vulgarities at emergency responders and spitting on a police officer while authorities were attending to a fire at a Housing Board block in Yishun.
The incident took place on Jul. 3 at Block 381C Yishun Ring Road, where officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) were responding to a fire.
According to SCDF, the fire was reported at about 5:15pm. While firefighters and police officers were carrying out emergency operations, a man on the ground floor allegedly created a disturbance and repeatedly confronted officers at the scene.
Videos show man confronting officers
Videos circulating online showed a man dressed in a red vest engaging with police officers near the affected block.
In one clip, an officer appeared to explain the seriousness of the emergency situation. The man was then seen moving closer towards the officer while repeatedly saying he could not hear him.
Another video showed the man walking away while shouting at officers. In a separate recording, he was heard challenging officers to arrest him.
The circumstances that led to the confrontation remain unclear.
Police say officer was spat on
In response to media queries, police said the man allegedly continued to use vulgar language and made inappropriate remarks towards both SPF and SCDF personnel who were carrying out their duties.
Police added that when officers attempted to engage him, he refused to stop his behaviour and allegedly spat on one of the officers.
The man was subsequently arrested for public nuisance, using insulting words towards a public servant, and using criminal force to deter a public servant from carrying out official duties.
According to Chinese-language newspaper Shin Min Daily News, the man continued shouting at officers even while being restrained. He was also reportedly uncooperative when paramedics attempted to assess him.
Witnesses told the publication that the commotion lasted for around two hours before the man was eventually taken away in an ambulance.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Child rescued from burning flat
Meanwhile, firefighters responding to the blaze found that the living room of a unit on the 12th floor was on fire.
SCDF officers entered the smoke-filled flat and extinguished the flames using a water jet.
During the operation, firefighters located and rescued a child who was inside a bedroom of the affected unit.
The child was assessed for smoke inhalation and conveyed to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital for further medical attention.
The cause of the fire has not been disclosed.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News, SCDF/Facebook.