Man, 71, scuffles with 4 police officers at Serangoon coffee shop after allegedly harassing female stall assistant

A 71-year-old man was apprehended under the Mental Health Act after he was seen struggling with four police officers at a coffee shop at Block 261 Serangoon Central Drive on Mar. 15.

The commotion apparently started after the elderly man allegedly forcefully led a female stall assistant out of the coffee shop by grabbing her wrist.

Struggle with police

In an eyewitness video, the elderly man could be seen in the midst of a scuffle with four police officers, Stomp reported.

He was seen on the ground as police officers attempted to restrain him, while several onlookers stood nearby.

He could also be heard yelling in Mandarin, "Police are beating people", and "Police are stealing my money", Stomp wrote.

Responding to Mothership's queries, a Singapore Police Force (SPF) spokesperson said the police received a call for assistance at about 4pm on Mar. 15.

The 71-year-old was apprehended under the Section 7 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008.

He sustained a minor injury and was conveyed conscious to the hospital.

Elderly man harassed a female stall assistant

According to Shin Min Daily News, the commotion ensued after the elderly man allegedly harassed a female stall assistant and led her out of the coffee shop.

The stall assistant, Su (transliteration), 22, told Shin Min that she had a short exchange with the elderly man before things got physical.

The 71-year-old told her, "You're here," to which she instinctively responded, "I'm here."

After the exchange, the elderly man grabbed her wrist and tried to pull her away.

Su shared that the man managed to lead her out of the coffee shop before her manager rushed over to put a stop to the man's behaviour.

Su also said that she did not resist as she could not react in time and was also concerned about injuring the elderly man.

71-year-old appeared emotionally unstable

The stall assistant told Shin Min that she did not know the elderly man and he had not patronised her stall on the day of the incident.

According to other stallholders, the 71-year-old had previously visited the coffee shop but had not behaved inappropriately or harassed any stall assistants.

They also pointed out that the elderly appeared mentally unstable on the day of the incident.

Top image via Google Maps