A family has raised concerns over a frightening incident at a coffeeshop in Marsiling after an allegedly intoxicated man harassed their 14-year-old daughter before becoming violent.
According to the mother’s account shared online, the incident took place at around 7.10pm on 15 July at FoodHub located at Block 167 Woodlands Street 11. The family had been having dinner when the parents briefly left their table to order food for their two younger children, leaving their teenage daughter seated alone.
The mother alleged that a man seated at a nearby table approached her daughter and attempted to persuade her to drink beer with him. When the teenager declined by gesturing politely, the man allegedly reacted aggressively and began shouting vulgarities at her.
Teenager Allegedly Targeted After Rejecting Stranger
Fearing for her safety, the 14-year-old reportedly left the table and attempted to distance herself from the man. However, the situation allegedly escalated when he threw a glass cup and a chair in her direction.
Fortunately, the teenager was not physically injured despite shattered glass landing nearby.
The mother described the incident as deeply traumatising, saying no child should have to fear for their safety while dining at a neighbourhood coffeeshop.
She further alleged that when her husband returned to the table, the man continued behaving aggressively, directing vulgarities at him and allegedly challenging him to a one-on-one fight in front of other patrons.
Police Report Lodged As Family Raises Safety Concerns
The family said a police report has since been lodged and investigations are ongoing.
According to the mother’s post, staff at the coffeeshop allegedly informed them that the man was a regular patron and had reportedly caused disturbances on previous occasions. These claims have not been independently verified.
The mother also said she has submitted a formal complaint to the coffeeshop’s management, Badaling Holdings Pte Ltd, and copied Members of Parliament into her correspondence, urging authorities and management to review safety and security measures at the premises.
She urged other families with young children to remain vigilant when visiting the coffeeshop until the matter is resolved.
At the time of writing, neither the coffeeshop management nor the police had publicly commented on the allegations.