In a concerning incident early on November 8, 2024, a man reportedly wielding a weapon was shot in the arm by a police officer at Pasir Ris Park, Singapore. The event unfolded around 6 AM near a bird-watching tower, as reported by the Chinese daily, Lianhe Zaobao.
Witnesses described the man as appearing emotionally distressed and potentially threatening to others in the vicinity. Following the shooting, he was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
By 10 AM, law enforcement had established a cordon around the area, effectively blocking access to the walkway leading to the bird-watching tower. This swift action was taken to secure the scene and ensure public safety.
This incident is reminiscent of a previous police shooting that occurred in March 2022, when a 64-year-old man named Ng Eng Kui was shot at Block 33 Bendemeer Road. Ng, who was under the influence of drugs, had brandished a kitchen knife at police officers who had responded to the situation. After multiple attempts to subdue him with Taser shots failed, an officer deemed the situation life-threatening and discharged his firearm, resulting in Ng’s death.
In a coroner’s inquiry held on November 4, 2022, District Judge Kamala Ponnampalam concluded that the officer acted within the bounds of the law, stating that the shooting was not an accidental discharge and labeling Ng’s death as an unfortunate misadventure.
As the investigation into the Pasir Ris Park shooting continues, authorities are working to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police shootings in Singapore are relatively rare, and each occurrence is subject to thorough scrutiny to ensure accountability and transparency.
This developing story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in managing potentially dangerous situations while prioritizing public safety. Further updates are expected as more details emerge regarding the condition of the injured man and the police’s response to the incident.
Top image via: LIANHE ZAOBAO