Man locks himself in Ghim Moh flat with 6-year-old-son for 3.5 hours, arrested after surrendering

A 36-year-old man locked himself in his flat at Block 18 Ghim Moh Road with his six-year-old son on Friday afternoon (June 1) and was arrested after three and a half hours.

Stompers Leong and Peter, who walked past the block, contributed photos showing police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers at the scene.

Leong added: "The Special Operations Force (SOF) was there too."

An inflatable safety life air pack could also be seen at the foot of the block.

In response to a Stomp query, the SCDF said it received a call for height rescue from a sixth floor unit at the block.

One fire engine, one Red Rhino, one ambulance and three support vehicles were dispatched to the scene.

"A male subject in his 30s was apprehended by the police after three and a half hours," added the SCDF.

The police told Stomp that they responded to a call for assistance at the block at 2.30pm.

A police spokesman said: "Upon arrival, officers conducted checks on a 36-year-old man. The man did not heed officers’ instructions and locked himself in the house."

The man, who was established to have an outstanding warrant of arrest, was subsequently arrested.

Stomp understands that a social worker was the one who called the police.

The man, who was in the flat with his son, displayed hostility towards the social worker and police officers.

As breaking down the unit's door might have compromised the child's safety, the social worker spoke with the man and tried convincing him to exit the flat.

The man later unlocked the door and surrendered himself.

Stomp understands that the child was unhurt.

Police investigations are ongoing.