Shooting case at hospital: Man could face death penalty

SINGAPORE — The police have classified Saturday’s incident at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, where a police officer was shot, as an unlawful discharge of firearms under the Arms Offences Act, an offence that carries the death penalty.

The suspect, a 24-year-old Singaporean man who was arrested for motor vehicle theft on Friday, will be hauled to court this afternoon on this holding charge.

The police update last night came after Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean told reporters in the morning that the illegal use of firearms is taken very seriously.

“Any illegal discharge of firearms is a very serious offence. Police investigations are ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment at this time,” said Mr Teo on the sidelines of a community event.

The suspect, who was under remand for further investigations into his alleged motor vehicle theft, had complained of chest pains on Saturday and was escorted by police officers to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital to seek medical attention.

At about 7.05pm, while inside one of the hospital’s examination rooms, which are not accessible to the public, the suspect attempted to escape and struggled with one of the officers.

TODAY understands that the suspect had attacked the 31-year-old officer while his colleague stepped out of the room. The suspect is believed to have taken hold of the officer’s baton and used it to beat the latter.

He then snatched the officer’s revolver and discharged three rounds, before he was subdued and the situation was brought under control. The accused sustained superficial injuries.

Channel NewsAsia reported that a Khoo Teck Puat Hospital spokesman had said the officer needed immediate microsurgery on his hand and that a hand surgeon was immediately available at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

In its update yesterday, the police said that the officer, who suffered gunshot wounds to his left thumb and right foot, has since undergone surgery.

He is now in a stable condition.