23-year-old Singaporean might receive death penalty for illegal discharge of firearm

A 23-year-old Singaporean man who allegedly fired a police revolver while trying to escape custody at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital yesterday may receive a death sentence for unlawfully discharging a firearm.

Muhammad Iskandar bin Sa’at was charged in court on Monday under Section 4(1) of the Arms Offences Act.

A statement from the Singapore Police Force said that he had been arrested for motor vehicle theft on 19 June and was in remand pending further investigation when he complained of chest pains the next day. He was then taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

“While inside one of the hospital’s examination rooms, which are not accessible to the public, the suspect attempted to escape but was stopped by one of the Police officers. A struggle ensued during which the suspect snatched the Police officer’s revolver. Shots were fired from the 31-year-old officer’s revolver,” said the statement.

According to the charge sheet, he fired three rounds from the 0.38 inch caliber Taurus revolver “with intent to cause physical injury”.

A police officer suffered gunshot wounds to his right thumb and left foot, while the suspect sustained superficial injuries.

The next court mention is 29 June. If convicted, the sentence is mandatory death.