Man who allegedly directed weapon at cops gets shot

He is accused of luring them to park and pointing improvised flamethrower at them

- Nadine Chua and Samuel Devaraj

A man who allegedly lured police officers to Pasir Ris Park and pointed an improvised flamethrower at them was shot by one of the officers on Nov 8.

The police said the 42-year-old man will be charged in court with attempted murder.

They said they received a call that a woman was sitting on the ledge at the top of a tower in the park at about 6am on Nov 8.

Responding to the call, four police officers arrived at the scene but did not see anyone in the bird-watching tower.

As they searched the area, the officers saw a man in a nearby hut.

When they approached him, the man ignited the device and directed the flames at them. The officers drew their weapons and ordered him to stop and drop the device.

But he did not comply despite several warnings and continued to advance towards them.

Said the police: "As there was imminent threat to the safety of the officers, a 30-year-old police officer fired a shot at the man with his pistol."

The suspect fell to the ground and was arrested by the officers.

The man, who had a knife near him, suffered puncture wounds on his left forearm and abdomen.

Officers provided first aid to the man before the Singapore Civil Defence Force arrived.