Teenager Charged in Connection with Motorcycle Chase that Killed LTA Officer
An 18-year-old teenager has been charged in court in connection with a motorcycle chase along Seletar Expressway (SLE) that resulted in the death of a Land Transport Authority (LTA) officer. The teenager, who cannot be named as he was 17 at the time of the alleged offences, faces six charges including traffic, drug, and weapon offences.
According to CNA, The teen said
“I gambled my life as much as he gambled his. So the death … IÂ may be one of the contributing factors to the death, but I am not to be blamed.”
The charges include dangerous driving, riding a motorcycle without a license or insurance, failing to stop when ordered to do so by an LTA officer, and possessing a Samurai sword. The teenager allegedly cut across two lanes on the expressway to evade the officer, leading to an accident involving two lorries and a van. The LTA officer, Mr. Zdulfika Ahakasah, was taken to hospital where he died.
The teenager also faces charges for consuming methamphetamine in August 2023. He appeared in court via video-link from his place of remand and was not granted bail due to the gravity of the offence and concerns that he may abscond. The prosecution sought a two-week adjournment to complete investigations into possible additional charges for drug, traffic, and cheating offences.
When asked if he had anything to say, the teenager made a controversial statement, saying “I gambled my life as much as he gambled his. So the death… I may be one of the contributing factors to the death, but I am not to be blamed.” The statement sparked emotional reactions from the public gallery, with a woman sobbing uncontrollably throughout the proceedings.
The case has sparked outrage and concern over the safety of law enforcement officers and the need for stricter penalties for dangerous driving and drug-related offences. The teenager will return to court in two weeks to face further charges and proceedings.