4-2-2024 (SINGAPORE) Preliminary investigations conducted by the police into a stabbing incident in the Commonwealth area on Feb 3 have revealed that the suspect acted alone, and there is no evidence to suggest it was an act of terror.
During a press conference held on Feb 4, the police stated that a 20-year-old man allegedly attacked seven individuals using a knife, a chopper, and his bare hands.
The suspect will face charges in court for voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons. The police have confirmed that the man had no prior criminal records.
A court order will be sought to have the suspect remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for a psychiatric assessment.
According to the police, they received a distress call about a man wielding a chopper and running towards 301 Commonwealth Avenue at approximately 7:05 pm. With the assistance of several members of the public who helped detain the man, the suspect was subsequently arrested at 1 Dundee Road, approximately 400 meters away, at 7:18 pm.
The attack resulted in minor injuries for two men aged 76 and 40, as well as a six-year-old girl. They were conscious when taken to the National University Hospital and received outpatient treatment.
Three other individuals, a 54-year-old man, a 21-year-old man, a 20-year-old man, and a 45-year-old woman, sustained minor injuries but declined further medical assistance.
During the press conference, three men – Mr Mok Kwong Heng, Mr Gangatharan Saravanan, and Mr Emmanuel Ee – were recognized with the Public Spiritedness Award for their courageous efforts in detaining the suspect before the arrival of the police.
“The police would like to commend the five members of the public who detained the offender before the police’s arrival,” said Ms Serene Chiu, Assistant Commissioner of Police and Commander of the Clementi Police Division.
“Their bravery and intervention prevented the offender from causing further harm to the public.”
Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons is a serious offense that can result in a maximum imprisonment term of seven years, fines, and caning.
The police also reminded the public that carrying offensive weapons in public without a lawful purpose is an offense. Offenders convicted of this offense could face up to three years in prison and a minimum of six strokes of the cane.
