4 members of the public help foil armed robbery

SINGAPORE – A 52-year old man has been arrested by the police for armed robbery at Serangoon Road with the help of four members of the public.

On Aug 14, a 30-year old woman was waiting to hail a taxi along Serangoon Road at about 2.15pm when a man armed with a knife tried to rob her.

In the ensuing struggle, the woman fell and the robber fled towards St Michael's road with her wallet.

Mr Kong Chun Yuen, 56, Mr Kong Ngai Kiong, 54, and Mr Veluchamy Seshakumar, 39, saw the incident while onboard the bus, and immediately alighted to help.

Mr Kong Ngai Kiong caught up with the suspect along St Michael's road, but the suspect resisted with his knife and continued to flee.

Mr Somasunthram Niranjan, 48, who was driving along St Michael's road, witnessed the scuffle joined the pursuit.

The four Samaritans eventually caught up with the suspect and wrestled him to the ground.

Officers from Rochor neighbourhood police centre were alerted and subsequently arrested the man. He was found with the victim's wallet and two paper-cutters.

The suspect will be charged in court on Aug 16 for the offence of Armed Robbery.

If convicted, the suspect may be jailed up to 10 years and will also be liable to caning of not less than 12 strokes. A Court Order will be sought to remand him for further investigations.

grongloh@sph.com.sg