Man, 42, who allegedly shot flames at police at Pasir Ris Park charged with attempted murder

He was said to have discharged flames at a police officer.

November 11, 2024, 12:44 PM

The man who allegedly used an improvised flamethrower against police officers at Pasir Ris Park on Nov. 8 was charged with attempted murder.

According to The Straits Times, Timothy Heng Shengxian, 42, was charged by a field magistrate in a hospital on Nov. 9.

Heng was said to have discharged flames at assistant superintendent of police Chee Xiu Quan on Nov. 8, between 6:26am and 6:28am at the Mangrove Boardwalk in Pasir Ris Park.

Heng's case has been adjourned till Nov. 29.

If found guilty, Heng could face up to 20 years' jail, along with a fine, caning, or both.

Improvised flamethrower

On Nov. 8, the police were alerted to a call at around 6am claiming that a woman was sitting on the ledge at the top of a tower in Pasir Ris Park.

According to the police, officers responding to the call did not see anyone at the tower when they arrived.

They then saw a man at a nearby hut while searching the vicinity.

When the officers approached the man, he deployed an improvised device which ejected flames towards the officers.

The officers drew their weapons and commanded him to stop and drop the device.

Despite multiple warnings, the man refused to comply and continued to advance towards the officers with the improvised device.

As there was imminent threat to the officers' safety, a 30-year-old police officer shot the man once with his pistol.

The man was immediately arrested after falling to the ground.

A knife was also found near him.

The improvised device and knife were seized as case exhibits.

Early investigations revealed that the man allegedly made the call and gave false information to lure the police to the location.

The man also has an outstanding warrant of arrest against him for failing to attend court for his alleged involvement in a case of voluntarily causing grievous hurt and intentional harassment.

He also has multiple past records of hurt and property offences.