Youth, 17, arrested for molesting 2 victims

Youth, 17, arrested for molesting 2 victims

A 17-year-old male suspect has been arrested for outraging the modesty of two female victims on separate occasions.

He allegedly molested a 35-year-old woman on March 5 at 5.10am when the victim was outside her unit at North Bridge Road. According to a police statement, the unknown male had rushed towards the victim and molested her before fleeing.

Police said the victim was in a state of shock but regained her composure and quickly called the police.

The second case happened on March 27 at 3.10am, when a 30-year-old woman was walking home along Crawford Lane.

The suspect allegedly cycled towards the victim and molested her before cycling away. According to the police, he remerged moments later and grabbed the victim forcefully.

He then fled after the victim put up a struggle and shouted for help. She subsequently lodged a police report.

Through intensive surveillance and ground enquiries, police officers maanged to establish the identity of the suspect and his involvement in both cases.

He was arrested at North Bridge Rd this morning at 2.45am during an ambush operation.

The suspect will be charged in court tomrrow for outrage of modesty. If found guilty, he faces imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine, or caning, or any combination of such punishments.

A court order will be sought to remand the suspect for further investigations, said the police.

Commander of Central Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Daniel Tan advised the public on the following crime preventive measures:

a. Avoid walking through dimly lit, quiet and secluded places;

b. When returning home alone or late at night, members of public - especially women and young children - should arrange for a family member or trusted friend to accompany you home;

c. Be alert to your surroundings. If you suspect that you are being followed, remain calm and proceed to the nearest open business premises, crowded area or call the Police to seek help

d. Carry a shrill alarm to call for help in times of emergencies;

e. Do not enter a lift with a stranger. Let the stranger take the lift and wait for the next one; and

f. If alone in the lift, stand near to the lift buttons. Press "Door Open" and exit if a stranger rushes in as the door is closing.

klim@sph.com.sg

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