A video uploaded to TikTok by user Zailia7276 on April 17, 2023, shows several police officers in riot gear and armed with weapons, including the P4.1, a less-than-lethal weapon that can fire pepper spray and mark rioters, attempting to enter a HDB unit in Lengkok Bahru. The video shows officers positioning themselves outside the flat, with one pointing the P4.1 through the grills of the metal gate. Other officers are seen bringing over an electric saw and cutting through the gate, while a group on the left stands at the ready with a riot shield.
The police had received a call for assistance at Block 57 Lengkok Bahru around 7:50 am that morning, and upon arrival, discovered that a 59-year-old man had locked himself in his residential unit. Due to concerns that the man might pose a danger to himself, officers from the Special Operations Command, Crisis Negotiation Unit, and Singapore Civil Defence Force responded to the incident. After assessing the situation, officers entered the flat around 10:50 am and arrested the man under Section 7(1) of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008. No injuries were reported.
Furthermore, the man is also under investigation by the Central Narcotics Bureau for a drug-related offense. The video of the incident quickly went viral, raising questions about the police’s tactics and the circumstances surrounding the man’s arrest. However, the police have not released any additional information about the incident at this time.
It is important to note that while the video may be shocking to some, it is crucial to let the legal process take its course and avoid making assumptions or jumping to conclusions about what happened. The police have a duty to protect the public and ensure the safety of all individuals, including those who may be in crisis or experiencing mental health issues. At the same time, it is essential to respect the rights and privacy of all individuals involved and to ensure that any use of force is necessary, proportionate, and in accordance with established procedures and protocols.