In a shocking incident at Hougang Green Shopping Mall, a 45-year-old man reportedly stabbed himself in the arm with a pair of scissors after being apprehended for theft. The event unfolded on May 24, 2025, around 3:20 PM, when the man was caught stealing household items from a store.
Details of the Incident
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the man was discovered attempting to steal a radio and several memory cards. A store employee, who recognized him as a frequent customer, noticed that he had left the store without the items in hand. Upon reviewing the surveillance footage, she realized that he had concealed the stolen goods in his bag.
The employee pursued the man, who was found drinking nearby, and brought him back to the store to inform her supervisor. Initially, the man appeared calm and compliant, but when the store manager arrived, he suddenly knelt down and began begging for leniency.
In a startling turn of events, the man grabbed a pair of unopened scissors from the store, tore open the packaging, and stabbed himself in the left arm. Witnesses reported that he smeared blood on himself, creating a scene of panic among the staff and customers present.
Emergency Response and Arrest
Emergency services were called shortly after the incident, and the man was transported to the hospital while conscious. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that they received a call for assistance at around 3:30 PM. Upon arrival, medical personnel bandaged his wounds before he was taken away in a wheelchair under police supervision.
Following his treatment, the man was arrested under the Mental Health Act and is currently assisting authorities with the ongoing investigation into the theft.
Seek help
When a person needs mental care, it is important to be supportive and understanding. Mental health issues can be difficult to understand and can be overwhelming for both the person needing help and their friends and family.
The first and most important step is to reach out and provide a listening ear. It can be difficult for someone to open up about their mental health issues, so providing a safe and non-judgmental environment is essential. It is important to be patient, allow them to take their time, and show them that they are not alone.
If you are someone or know someone that is in need of help you can call the following numbers for assistance:
- SOS 24-hour Hotline: 1-767
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Institute of Mental Health: 6389-2222 (available 24 hours)
- Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 (for primary school-aged children)
- SHECARES@SCWO: Call 8001 01 4616 | WhatsApp 6571 4400 (for victims of online harms)
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health and the need for compassionate support systems in our communities.
Image Source: Zao bao (left)