20-year-old man launched attack on seven with chopper in Commonwealth Avenue

SINGAPORE: A disturbing incident occurred on Saturday evening (3 Feb) in Commonwealth Avenue, where a 20-year-old man launched an unprovoked attack on members of the public.

The attacker used a chopper and other weapons in his assault, which spanned across several locations including an HDB lift lobby, Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, and a park connector.

The police have clarified that the incident is not related to terrorism, and the suspect, who will be charged in court on Monday (5 Feb) for voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons, appears to have acted independently.

The rampage resulted in seven people being attacked, none of whom were known to the assailant. He used various means to inflict harm, including a knife, a chopper, and physical force.

The victims included two men aged 76 and 40, and a six-year-old girl, all of whom sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital. Additionally, three men, aged 54, 21 and 20, as well as a 45-year-old woman, also suffered minor injuries but did not seek further medical attention.

Officials are considering a psychiatric assessment for the assailant at the Institute of Mental Health. The charges he faces could lead to a maximum of seven years in prison, a fine, caning, or a combination of these punishments.

Carrying an offensive weapon in public without lawful authority is a serious offence, potentially leading to a three-year imprisonment term and mandatory caning.

The police responded following a call for assistance at 7.05 pm on Saturday. The arrest took place near 1 Dundee Road, the location of Queens Peak condominium, thanks to the intervention of the five public-spirited individuals.

The attack sequence began near Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, continued at a nearby HDB block, and ended along the Alexandra Canal park connector.

In recognition of their bravery and quick action, the police honored the five individuals with the Public Spiritedness Award.

Among the awardees, Mr Emmanuel Ee Wei Chuan, aged 21 and also a victim of the attack, participated in the apprehension of the assailant.

AC Serene Chiu, the commander of the Singapore Police Force’s Clementi Division, praised the five civilians for their commendable actions.