Man arrested for breaking into restaurant, punching police officer in the face

SINGAPORE: The police on Friday (Nov 3) arrested a man for allegedly breaking into a restaurant along Geylang Road to commit theft and for punching a police officer in his face.

On Nov 3 at about 11.05am, police said they received a report of housebreaking at a restaurant along Geylang Road.

A total of S$121 (US$89) in cash was reportedly stolen, and the suspect had also allegedly kicked and punched a restaurant staff when escaping, police said in a news release on Friday. 

The police established the man’s identity “through ground inquiries and with the aid of CCTV footage”.

When police officers engaged the 31-year-old suspect, he allegedly hurled vulgarities, spat and punched one of the officers in the face. The man was later arrested.

The 42-year-old officer was taken conscious to the hospital with minor injuries and was discharged on the same day, police said.

The suspect will be charged in court on Saturday for housebreaking to commit theft, as well as voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from discharging his duty. 

If found guilty of housebreaking, he may be jailed for up to 10 years and fined. 

For voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant, he may be jailed for up to seven years, fined or caned. For using abusive language against a public servant, he may be jailed for up to 12 months, fined up to S$5,000 or both. 

“The police have zero tolerance towards such acts of violence towards police officers or public servants who are carrying out their duties.

“The police will not hesitate to take firm action against those who endanger the safety of our officers.”