Woman, 49, locks herself in Bukit Panjang flat for more than 2 hours, gets apprehended

A 49-year-old woman was apprehended after locking herself in a flat in Bukit Panjang for more than two hours.

The incident occurred on Jul. 21 at about 3pm at a second-floor unit at Block 207 Petir Road.

In a TikTok, emergency responders and vehicles were present at the scene with safety life air packs deployed.

In response to queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Police Force said they received a call for assistance to the incident.

Upon arrival, officers found that the woman had locked herself in her residential unit and might pose a danger to herself.

The police's Special Operations Command (SOC) and Crisis Negotiation Unit, along with SCDF, were deployed to the scene.

Two safety life air packs were deployed.

Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) rescuers rappelled from the unit above as a precautionary measure.

Officers managed to gain entry into the unit at about 5:30pm.

The woman was subsequently apprehended under the Mental Health Act and conveyed to Woodlands Hospital.

Neighbour

According to Shin Min Daily News, more than 20 police officers had gathered along the second-floor corridor.

The woman’s husband was reportedly seen speaking with emergency responders.

A resident living next to the unit, Xiao (transliterated), told Shin Min that the unit is home to a middle-aged couple who moved in about six or seven years ago.

Her husband works in an administrative role at a military camp, while the woman apparently used to work in the computer-related industry and is currently unemployed.

Xiao claimed she had a good relationship with the woman and they often visit each other's homes to chat.

The woman reportedly came to her home the previous night and mentioned to her that her granddaughter was unwell.