Violent Dispute Erupts in Slashing Spree at Mobile Accessories Store in Singapore
A dispute believed to be related to business turned violent, leaving several individuals injured by an assailant wielding a dangerous weapon.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday (20 December) around 4PM at a mobile accessories store on Pasir Ris West Plaza.
The suspect, a 61-year-old man, allegedly attacked multiple individuals with a knife.
After the incident, the suspect did not flee and was arrested by the police upon their arrival. A male victim, and two female victims, all in their fifties, were subsequently rushed to Sengkang General Hospital for treatment.
The suspect, who was also hurt in the altercation, was brought to the hospital as well. He was subsequently arrested by the police.
Videos of the incident show two women covered in blood in clear distress inside the shop. Another man was seen holding a blood-soaked towel to his head.
Upon reaching the crime scene on Wednesday evening, reporters observed a chaotic scene outside the mobile accessories store, with scattered shoes and merchandise.
The ground bore a blood trail extending approximately five meters. The police promptly cordoned off the area for evidence collection, with armed officers patrolling around the area.
Residents and Eyewitnesses Provide Insight
When asked by reporters from the Straits Times, a resident living around the area revealed that the female victims are sisters and the owners of the mobile accessories store, which has been around for the last 20 years.
According to information obtained by Lianhe Zaobao, the suspect and the staff at the mobile accessories store were acquainted, but were not exactly on the friendliest terms.
Reports suggest that the attack may have stemmed from a business dispute, with prior incidents of intimidation and threats leading to the violent altercation.
An eyewitness, a 50-year-old driver named Chen, recounted the aftermath of the incident, mentioning the severity of injuries sustained by some individuals.
He described the scene with one person’s eyeball nearly dislodged, and another woman with a back injury. The injured individuals were treated by paramedics onsite and “resembled mummies” with their extensive bandages.
45-year-old shop owner Lin reported hearing two loud shouts during the incident, and chaos ensued as people rushed to escape.
A delivery driver from her store went outside to investigate and discovered the gruesome scene. The driver initially thought it was a fight and intended to help, but soon realized someone was injured.
Lin immediately locked the store and sought refuge with nearby shop owners.
Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean addressed the incident in a Facebook post, stating that it was not a random attack.
He suggested that the incident might be related to disputes among those involved, emphasizing that the suspect appeared to have acted alone.
He also revealed that the victims were in stable condition, to the relief of the public.
As of the morning of 21 December 2023, police investigations are still ongoing.
This incident had undoubtedly sparked fear in Singaporeans following an average of 150 knife attacks occurring annually around the island from 2017 to 2021.
These knife-related attacks commonly involve murder, robbery, rioting and/or serious hurt.
Just this year, there were many instances of individuals resorting to using knives as a threat to others or themselves.
While a few of these instances do not escalate to violent physical harm, the fact that these assailants have reasons as incredulous as being “unhappy with each other’s looks”, is deeply concerning to the members of the public.
In a press release from 2022, Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Tan revealed that 36 per cent of these crimes occurred in residential areas and 3 per cent happened in educational premises.
The remaining cases occurred in public or commercial spaces.
When asked about what measures have been taken to protect the public in the light of recent sword- and knife-related crimes, Mr Tan said, “For urgent incidents, including those involving dangerous weapons, police are generally able to respond within 15 minutes of the call.”
He added that members of the public can easily contact the police in an emergency by dialling 999.
He also said that mobile self-help stations, where members of the public can activate the police when needed, are being tested in more secluded areas such as Punggol Park.