Man in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital shooting faces 2 more charges

SINGAPORE - The 23-year-old Singaporean man who snatched a police officer's revolver and fired three shots with it at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital now faces two more charges.

According to local media reports, Muhammad Iskandar Sa'at faces one more charge of intention to cause hurt to Staff Sergeant Mohammad Sadli Razali, 31. The suspect allegedly hit the police officer several times with a metal pole used for securing an IV drip, and with a t-baton.

In addition, Muhammad Iskandar also faces another charge of attempting to escape from police custody after his arrest for stealing a lorry.

On top of the two charges, Muhammad Iskandar also faces the death penalty for allegedly discharging the bullets from the .38 inch calibre Taurus revolver belonging to Staff Sergeant Mohammad.

On the evening of June 20, the suspect - who was arrested for vehicle theft on June 18 - complained of chest pains and was escorted by police officers to Khoo Teck Puat hospital to seek medical attention.

While inside one of the hospital's private examination rooms, the suspect attempted to escape but was stopped by one of the police officers.

A struggled ensued during which the suspect snatched the Staff Sergeant Mohammad's revolver. It was then that shots were fired.

According to local media reports, the prosecution made a request for the accused to be remanded for three weeks at Changi Prison Complex Medical Centre for psychiatric assessment.

No bail was offered to the accused. The suspect's case will be heard next on July 20.

stephluo@sph.com.sg