Jail, fine for police NSman who swung e-scooter at LTA officer after riding illegally on footpath

SINGAPORE — When an enforcement officer from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) caught David Chan Wei Peng illegally riding his electric scooter on a footpath, he swung it at the officer before fleeing.

At the time, the operationally ready national serviceman (NSman) was on the way to perform his reservist duties at Yishun North Neighbourhood Police Centre.

Chan, 24, who works as a mechanic, was jailed seven days and fined S$1,400 on Friday (Jan 28) for his actions on March 4 last year. He will begin serving his sentence on Feb 7.

The Singaporean pleaded guilty to one count of using criminal force on a public servant and two charges under the Active Mobility Act 2017. Two other similar charges were taken into consideration for sentencing.

The court heard that Chan was riding his personal mobility device (PMD), which was not UL2272-certified, on the footpath along Gambas Avenue in Sembawang at about 8.30am. PMDs were banned from footpaths on April 3, 2020.

Meanwhile, three LTA enforcement officers were travelling in an unmarked van while on duty. When they spotted Chan riding along Gambas Avenue, they stopped the van along the roadside.

Mr Yeo Ying Xuan, who was in plainclothes, approached Chan and took out his LTA pass, identifying himself as an enforcement officer and telling Chan to stop.

But Chan immediately made a U-turn in front of Mr Yeo and attempted to flee.

Mr Yeo managed to grab his backpack but Chan struggled and a scuffle ensued, resulting in Mr Yeo suffering an abrasion on his arm.

The officer’s colleague alighted from the van and rushed over to help in apprehending Chan, who then swung his e-scooter towards Mr Yeo.

As the other officer neared them, Chan dropped his PMD and ran across the road. Mr Yeo and the third officer gave chase, eventually catching up with him after a brief pursuit and detaining him.

The prosecution sought the jail term imposed, noting that Chan ultimately did not strike Mr Yeo with the e-scooter but that the potential harm was high.

Chan, who did not have a lawyer, told the court in mitigation that he hoped the court would impose a fine and not imprisonment.

For using criminal force on a public servant, he could have been jailed for up to four years or fined, or punished with both.

Those convicted of using a PMD that is not UL2272-certified can be jailed for up to three months or fined up to S$5,000, or both. UL2272 is a safety standard that reduces the risk of fires.

Those who fail to stop riding their PMD when required to do so by an authorised officer or public path warden in uniform can be jailed for up to three months or fined up to S$1,000, or both.