He attacks cop in bid to escape

The taxi driver was agitated when asked by a police officer to produce his driver's licence. He even punched and kicked the policeman before trying to escape in his cab.

With the help of two vigilant citizens, he was quickly arrested for reckless driving and causing hurt to a police officer, said a police spokesman. He is also believed to have driven the taxi while his taxi licence was suspended.

The drama unfolded around 7.25am on Paya Lebar Road in the direction of Upper Paya Lebar Road on Wednesday.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, was pulled over for reckless driving.

The driver, described as tall and strong, was seen losing his temper and pushing the police officer.

As he tried to escape, the officer steadied himself before lunging forward and grabbing the man around his waist.

The situation was so intense that witnesses told Shin Min Daily News that it was like a scene from a movie.

Break free

The driver did not give in and violently tried to shake himself free.

He pushed the policeman, described as of slim build, to the ground before punching and kicking him.

A 20-year-old security officer from a nearby condominium rushed forward and pulled them apart, the Chinese evening daily reported.

A bus driver from a passing bus also stopped and helped to stop the fight. The driver then calmed down and gave up trying to escape.

The police officer called for backup and more than 10 of his colleagues went to the scene.

The driver was then handcuffed.

Shin Min Daily News reported that the man was believed to have been driving his friend's cab and that he has a criminal record, which resulted in his taxi license being suspended.

Police investigations are ongoing.

There was no available information on the policeman who was attacked.

A Prime Taxi spokesman told Shin Min Daily News it was assisting with investigations.

- Additional reporting by ZACHARY SOH

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