Man faces weapons charge after grabbing gun from Certis officer
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The man is accused of having taken a “substantial step” in committing an offence under the Arms Offences Act.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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SINGAPORE - A man has been charged in court after he grabbed a revolver issued to a Certis auxiliary police officer who was stationed at Changi General Hospital.
According to court documents, Goh Chuan Chong had on Aug 4 allegedly reached out to grab the service revolver secured in the holster attached to the utility belt of Certis auxiliary police officer Abraham Lincoln.
The 40-year-old is accused of having taken a “substantial step” in committing an offence under the Arms Offences Act.
Goh was charged in the Court Crime Registry Chambers on Aug 6 with attempting to be in unlawful possession of an arm. The hearing was not open to the public.
He was remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for medical examination and is scheduled to return to court on Aug 20.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, a Certis spokesperson said its officer who holds the rank of sergeant (auxiliary police force) was attending to a request for security assistance together with another officer at the hospital when the incident occurred.
“We are relieved to share that no one was hurt during this incident,” said the spokesperson, adding that the safety of the public and Certis officers is the company’s utmost priority.
The spokesperson said initial investigations showed that protocols pertaining to the safety of firearms were adhered to by the officer and declined to provide further details, citing ongoing police investigations.
First-time offenders found guilty of unlawful possession of an arm will be jailed for between five and 10 years and caned a minimum of six strokes.
