Domestic Worker, 27, Arrested After Allegedly Locking Herself Inside Clementi Flat With Knife
A 27-year-old domestic worker was arrested for suspected theft after an incident at a residential unit in Clementi West on Thursday evening (Nov 12).
The woman allegedly got into an argument with someone in the household after being suspected of stealing something. She subsequently locked herself inside the flat while holding a knife, prompting a police response that reportedly lasted about three hours.
According to Shin Min Daily News, the incident took place at Block 731 Clementi West Street 2. Police confirmed that they received a call for assistance at approximately 7.15pm.
Police Officers Deployed Shields During Standoff
The situation reportedly drew a significant emergency response, with four police vehicles and two Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) vehicles spotted at the block.
A neighbour told Shin Min Daily News that she had noticed police officers at the unit as early as 5pm. She also reportedly heard children crying inside the flat.
The neighbour said the household consisted of a couple and their two primary school-aged children. The husband had reportedly suffered a stroke around two years ago, following which his wife was said to have spent less time at home.
A domestic worker was subsequently employed to help look after him.
On the evening of the incident, the neighbour also heard the husband shouting but could not establish what had happened.
Police officers were later seen carrying protective shields outside the unit, suggesting that the situation required additional precautions.
One Person Taken To National University Hospital
At approximately 9pm, a person was seen being escorted out of the flat and towards an ambulance, with a towel covering them.
SCDF confirmed that it received a call for assistance at around 7.20pm on Nov 12. A person was subsequently conveyed to the National University Hospital (NUH).
However, SCDF did not disclose the identity of the person taken to hospital or provide further information about their medical condition.
Police later confirmed that the 27-year-old woman had been arrested for theft in dwelling.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing. It remains unclear what allegedly went missing, what led to the confrontation or whether anyone else was injured.
The authorities have not provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
image by Shin Min Daily News