Family Of 73-Year-Old Man Lodges Police Report After Roxy Square Coffee Shop Altercation
The family of a 73-year-old man has lodged a police report following an altercation at a coffee shop in Roxy Square on Aug. 15, after the elderly man was allegedly pulled by his arm and thrown to the ground following an interaction with a young child.
The Singapore Police Force confirmed that a police report had been lodged over the incident. The elderly man, identified by his surname Yeo, has reportedly been selling wanton noodles at the coffee shop for more than four decades.
The incident occurred after Yeo had finished work at his stall and stopped to get a cup of coffee. While walking past a table, he noticed a young girl believed to be around two or three years old and reached out to pat her on the head.
According to Yeo’s account, the girl’s father had briefly left the table but returned after noticing the interaction. The man allegedly became agitated and questioned Yeo about why he had touched his daughter.
Elderly Man Was Thrown To The Ground
Yeo said he attempted to explain the situation and clear up the misunderstanding. However, the conversation reportedly escalated, with the girl’s father eventually grabbing him by the arm and throwing him onto the ground.
During the fall, the 73-year-old reportedly hit a nearby table. He subsequently developed swelling on his head.
Yeo’s 29-year-old son was working inside the family’s wanton noodle stall at the time and did not see the initial confrontation. He said he only realised something had happened after hearing a commotion and rushed out of the stall.
The younger Yeo confronted the other man and questioned how he could treat an elderly person in such a manner.
He said he asked the man to consider how he would feel if the person involved had been his own father.
At the time, however, the elderly Yeo reportedly insisted that he was alright. He also said that he did not immediately notice any injuries following the fall.
Girl’s Father Later Apologised
Because the elderly man initially appeared to be fine, the family did not prevent the girl’s family from leaving the coffee shop.
According to Yeo, the girl’s father was an Australian national and later apologised for what had happened. After learning more about Yeo’s physical condition, the man reportedly expressed regret and offered to buy him a drink.
Yeo declined the offer.
The incident has since resulted in a police report being lodged, although the circumstances surrounding the altercation remain under investigation.
The episode also highlights how quickly misunderstandings involving young children can escalate in public spaces. While parents may understandably be protective of their children, physical confrontations can carry serious consequences, particularly when an elderly person is involved.
With a police report now on record, the authorities are expected to assess the available evidence and circumstances surrounding the incident before determining what further action, if any, should be taken.