Taxi driver, 69, arrested for closing window on traffic cop's arm, dragging him along the road for several metres

SINGAPORE — A 69-year-old taxi driver was arrested on Sunday (Oct 9) after he allegedly wound up his window on a traffic police officer's arm and drove off, dragging the officer along the road. 

The 34-year-old officer was patrolling around Holland Road, when he spotted the taxi driver purportedly using his mobile phone while driving.

He signalled for the driver to stop, but the man ignored him and continued driving.

He then followed the taxi and eventually managed to stop the driver along Farrer Road, but the man was "uncooperative and refused to provide his particulars" when asked to by the officer, the police said in a news release on Wednesday.

The officer, realising that the man might drive off again, reached his hand out to turn off the taxi's ignition button.

"However, the driver allegedly wound up his window and drove off before the officer could remove his arm. As a result, the officer was dragged along the road for a few metres before the driver stopped and wound down the window," the police said.

The officer was conscious when taken to the hospital and received outpatient treatment.

The driver was later arrested for voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from discharging his duty.

In a statement on Wednesday, taxi operator ComfortDelGro said that its drivers have been told to always observe road safety and to cooperate with the authorities.

The group's chief branding and communications officer Tammy Tan said: “The behaviour of the cabbie in question is completely unacceptable and is certainly not condoned by the company.” 

Those found guilty of causing hurt to deter a public servant from discharge of his or her duty can be jailed up to seven years, and be fined or caned. However, as the driver is above 50 years old, he cannot be caned under Singapore's laws.

Anyone convicted of using a mobile phone while driving can be fined up to S$1,000, jailed up to six months or both.

Police investigations are ongoing.