A man who allegedly used an improvised flamethrower against police officers at Pasir Ris Park has been charged with attempted murder. Timothy Heng Shengxian, 42, was charged while hospitalized on November 9 by a field magistrate.
According to Straits Times, The incident occurred on November 8, between 6:26 AM and 6:28 AM, at the Mangrove Boardwalk. Court documents indicate that Heng discharged flames at Assistant Superintendent of Police Chee Xiu Quan with the intent to kill. Reports confirm that while ASP Chee sustained a leg injury, he did not suffer any burn injuries.
The police were initially dispatched to the park after receiving a call around 6 AM regarding a woman reportedly sitting on a ledge at the top of an observation tower. Upon arrival, four officers searched the area but did not find anyone in the tower. They then spotted Heng in a nearby hut, where he allegedly ignited the flamethrower and directed the flames at them as they approached.
Drop it!
Despite repeated orders to stop and drop the device, Heng advanced towards the officers, prompting a 30-year-old police officer to fire a shot at him. Heng fell to the ground and was subsequently arrested. A knife was discovered near him, and a 24-year-old police officer sustained abrasions during the incident but received treatment on-site.
Further investigation revealed that Heng had made the initial call to the police, providing false information to lure them to the location with the intent to cause harm. He suffered puncture wounds to his left forearm and abdomen during the confrontation and was given first aid before being transported to the hospital for surgery.
Heng also has two pending charges related to a previous incident on September 8, 2023, at a Saizeriya restaurant in Century Square mall, where he allegedly punched a man, causing a nasal bone fracture, and harassed him by making obscene gestures. A warrant for his arrest was issued on November 6, just two days before the flamethrower incident, after he failed to appear in court for the earlier case.
Heng’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 29. If convicted of attempted murder, he faces a potential life sentence or up to 20 years in prison, along with fines and caning.
This incident raises significant concerns about public safety and the use of dangerous weapons in community settings. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains alert to the implications of such violent acts.