Man arrested for allegedly biting police officer after failing to stop for checks in Geylang

SINGAPORE – A man is due to be charged in court on July 26 after he allegedly bit a police officer who was trying to detain him, the police said in a statement on July 25.

In addition to injuring a police officer, the 43-year-old is also facing charges for dangerous driving and driving without a valid licence.

The police said that the man was driving a van and had failed to stop for checks in Java Road at about 1.40pm on July 24, despite being directed by traffic police officers to do so.

He sped off instead and drove dangerously before he stopped the van at the junction of Sims Way and Geylang Road. He then fled on foot.

The police officers chased after and stopped him in Lorong 9 Geylang, and one of them was bitten on the left forearm while they were trying to detain him. The man was subsequently arrested.

The 35-year-old officer who was bitten had a cut and was taken to the hospital. He has since been discharged with three days of medical leave.

Traffic Police commander Daniel Tan said the motorist showed “a blatant disregard” for the law by attacking and injuring the police officers who were doing their work.

“He also endangered the safety of all other road users by driving dangerously and without a valid driving licence,” he added.

“He will bear the full brunt of his actions and will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law.”

For voluntarily causing hurt to prevent a public servant from doing his work, one can be jailed for up to seven years, and fined or caned.

Those convicted of dangerous driving can be jailed for up to a year, fined up to $5,000, or both.

For driving without a valid driving licence, one can be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $10,000, or both.