A police pursuit in Little India ended in a dramatic collision after a driver allegedly ran a red light while attempting to evade officers, causing his SUV to overturn following a crash with another vehicle.
The incident happened shortly after midnight on Nov 7 at the junction of Race Course Road and Birch Road, near Farrer Park MRT station.
Footage circulating on social media showed a brown SUV speeding through the traffic junction despite police sirens being heard in the background. Moments later, a white car approaching from the left collided with the rear of the SUV, sending it flipping onto its side before it came to a stop near the road divider.
Police officers subsequently arrived at the overturned vehicle and approached it on foot.
Driver Was Wanted Over Alleged Assault
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the 33-year-old driver was already wanted in connection with an assault case involving a sharp object.
The incident reportedly took place on Nov 6 at around 8.35pm, when police received information that a man had allegedly attacked another man with a sharp object, leaving the victim injured.
The injured man was subsequently taken to hospital, while the alleged attacker fled the scene in his vehicle.
At around 12.05am on Nov 7, officers patrolling along Tessensohn Road spotted the vehicle and signalled for it to stop.
However, the driver allegedly refused to comply and accelerated away from the police.
Three Other People Taken to Hospital
The pursuit ended at the junction of Race Course Road and Birch Road, where the SUV collided with another car before overturning.
The 33-year-old driver was arrested and conveyed to hospital following the accident.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 36-year-old man, and his two female passengers, aged 26 and 42, were also taken to hospital.
The police said the suspect is expected to be charged in court on Nov 7 with voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous means and failing to provide a breath specimen.
He will also be investigated for dangerous driving causing hurt.
Potential Penalties If Convicted
Under Singapore law, voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous means carries a possible jail term of up to seven years, a fine, caning, or a combination of these punishments.
Separately, failing to provide a specimen of breath can carry imprisonment of up to six months and a fine ranging from S$1,000 to S$5,000.
The SPF reiterated that it takes a firm stance against acts of violence and will not hesitate to take action against individuals who disregard the law.
Motorists were also reminded to comply with lawful instructions given by police officers and observe traffic regulations.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of attempting to evade police officers, particularly when doing so puts other road users at risk.