Man, 61, Allegedly Fights Bedok North Coffee Shop Staff, Shoves Police Officers During Arrest
A 61-year-old man was allegedly involved in a physical altercation with workers and stall owners at a coffee shop in Bedok North before also shoving police officers who arrived at the scene.
According to Shin Min Daily News, The incident reportedly happened at around 8pm on Sep. 4 at Block 204 Bedok North Street 1. According to Shin Min Daily News, the man was believed to have consumed around two to three bottles of beer before an argument broke out with a female employee.
Witnesses said the situation subsequently escalated into a fight, leaving several people with injuries and the coffee shop in disarray.
Argument allegedly turns physical
A diner identified as Liu, a transliterated name, told Shin Min Daily News that the man became aggressive towards a female staff member following the initial dispute.
The two reportedly fought before the situation temporarily settled down. About half an hour later, a stall owner arrived and asked the man what had happened.
However, the situation allegedly escalated again after the woman interrupted their conversation. The man then reportedly attacked the stall owner, knocking his glasses off in the process.
Two employees who attempted to intervene were also allegedly assaulted. Another witness, Chen, said the man had attacked the female worker before becoming involved in a physical confrontation with two other staff members.
Customers caught in the commotion
During the alleged fight, the man reportedly collided with a table where customers were eating. Several bowls and plates were knocked onto the floor as the altercation continued.
Chen said this was the first time he had witnessed someone assaulting workers at the coffee shop.
According to the witness, one female employee suffered a cut at the corner of her mouth and was bleeding, while another reportedly complained that she was unable to lift her arm after the incident.
When police arrived, the situation reportedly remained tense, with the man allegedly shoving officers who attempted to deal with him.
Coffee shop left in disarray
By the time a reporter arrived, the man was reportedly undergoing a breathalyser test before being handcuffed and taken away by police.
The aftermath left the coffee shop visibly disrupted, with food, plates and spoons scattered underneath one of the tables.
Several police officers were also seen speaking to people at the scene as they investigated what had happened.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force said it received a call for assistance at around 8:05pm. Two people were conveyed to Changi General Hospital, while two others were assessed for minor injuries but declined to be taken to hospital.
Laksa stall owner helps police
The owner of a laksa stall at the coffee shop reportedly stepped in to help police restrain the man.
Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, the stall owner said he only realised something was wrong after hearing a female employee screaming.
He said the man allegedly refused to cooperate with police and resisted being arrested. The man reportedly pushed one of the officers and became increasingly aggressive.
Several people then moved in to assist the officers. The laksa stall owner said he grabbed the man from behind and pinned him to the ground while the man continued struggling.
Man described as regular customer
Despite the incident, other stall owners told Shin Min Daily News that the 61-year-old was a regular customer who had not previously caused trouble at the coffee shop.
An employee from an Indian food stall said the man frequently visited the coffee shop to have his meals and was generally regarded as being good-natured.
Another stall owner similarly described him as a nice person.
The stall owners were reportedly unsure what had caused the sudden change in his behaviour, with one suggesting that alcohol consumption or personal stress could have played a role.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged altercation remain under investigation.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News