Man locks himself in Redhill flat and sits on 5th-storey window sill, cops break in with electric saw

Videos of the incident circulated online.

Ong Su Mann

Posted on 21 April 2024 | 1,723 views | 3 comments

A 59-year-old man was apprehended after he locked himself in a flat and sat on a fifth-storey window sill in Redhill on April 17.

In one of the videos circulating online, a shirtless man can be seen at the window as rescuers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) deploying a safety life air pack below him at the foot of the block.

Man, 59, locks himself in flat, SPF saws off gate to enter premises
byu /lanjiolover insingaporehappenings

Other videos show the police breaking into the front door of the flat with an electric saw.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SgfollowsAll (@sgfollowsall)

In response to Stomp queries, the police and SCDF said they received a call for assistance at Block 57 Lengkok Bahru at about 7.50am.

As it was assessed that the man might pose a danger to himself, officers from the Special Operations Command, Crisis Negotiation Unit and SCDF responded to the incident.

SCDF deployed a safety life air pack and rescuers from the Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team were on standby as a precautionary measure.

The police managed to gain entry into the flat at about 10.50am.

The man was subsequently apprehended under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act, which states that it is the duty of the police to apprehend anyone believed to be dangerous to himself or herself or others and such danger is reasonably suspected to be attributable to a mental disorder.

No injuries were reported.

The man is currently under investigation by Central Narcotics Bureau for a drug-related offence.

HELPLINES

Mental well-being

Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
Samaritans of Singapore: 1767 (24 hours)/ 9151-1767 (24-hour CareText via WhatsApp)
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

Counselling