Man charged with attempted murder for alleged flamethrower attack on Singapore police

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man accused of attacking police officers with an improvised flamethrower was charged with attempted murder on 9 November.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Timothy Heng Shengxian, allegedly directed a homemade incendiary device at officers at Pasir Ris Park Mangrove Boardwalk on the morning of 8 November.

The incident occurred after police received a call around 6:30am on 8 November reporting that a woman was sitting on a ledge at the top of a tower in Pasir Ris Park.

Responding to the call, officers arrived at the park but did not locate anyone at the tower.

However, as they expanded their search in the area, they encountered Heng, who reportedly directed the flamethrower-like device towards them.

According to a media release from the Singapore Police Force, Heng ignored multiple warnings to stop and continued advancing towards the officers.

Fearing an imminent threat, a 30-year-old police officer discharged his firearm, shooting Heng.

Following the shot, Heng was transported to the hospital with puncture wounds to his left forearm and abdomen.

Authorities reported that he was conscious at the time of his admission to the hospital.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Heng may have been the individual who called in the report regarding the woman on the ledge.

Police believe he allegedly intended to lure officers to the location under false pretences, with the intent to harm them.

Further checks revealed that Heng had an active warrant of arrest against him for failing to attend court related to a previous case.

This case involved charges of causing grievous hurt and intentional harassment in an incident dating back to September of the previous year.

Heng was officially charged in court on 9 November with multiple offences.

In addition to the attempted murder charge, he faces charges relating to an incident on 8 September of the prior year.

According to charge sheets, Heng is accused of voluntarily causing grievous hurt to another man by punching him in the face at Saizeriya Restaurant, located at 2 Tampines Central 5.

The impact of the alleged assault resulted in a fractured nose for the victim.

Heng is further accused of harassing the same individual by making a crude hand gesture.

The accused is scheduled to return to court on 29 November to address the charges.

Under Singaporean law, if found guilty of attempted murder, Heng could face life imprisonment with caning, or a prison sentence of up to 20 years, along with a potential fine and caning.

For the charge of voluntarily causing grievous hurt, he could be jailed for up to 10 years and face a fine or caning.

Additionally, if convicted of intentional harassment, Heng could face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to S$5,000 (US$3,760), or both.