Maid who was suspected of theft locks herself in Clementi flat with knife; SCDF conveyed one person to hospital
Police and SCDF responding to Clementi flat incident involving domestic worker suspected of theft
SINGAPORE: A suspected theft at a Clementi flat ended with a three-hour police standoff after a 27-year-old domestic helper allegedly locked herself inside with a knife.
The woman was arrested on suspicion of theft in a dwelling after officers responded to a report of the incident at Block 731 Clementi West Street 2 on Thursday (Nov 12).
The incident also left one person needing hospital care, although authorities haven't disclosed the person's identity or condition, Lianhe Zaobao reported (Nov 13).
Police respond to suspected theft at Clementi flat
The woman allegedly argued with someone inside the flat after being suspected of stealing. She then reportedly took a knife and locked herself inside, prompting police to attend the scene.
The Singapore Police Force confirmed that it received a call for assistance at about 7:16 p.m. Officers eventually arrested the woman after the confrontation lasted about three hours.
Neighbours hear shouting and children crying
A neighbour who declined to be named said that she had seen police officers arriving as early as 5 p.m. She also heard children crying and later saw officers carrying shields outside the flat.
The neighbour said a couple and their two primary school-aged children lived there. The husband had suffered a stroke about two years earlier, after which his wife reportedly spent less time at home.
The family subsequently hired a domestic worker to care for him. The neighbour also heard the husband shouting on Thursday evening, although she couldn't establish what had happened.
SCDF takes one person to National University Hospital
News reporters arrived at around 8 p.m. and saw four police vehicles and two Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) vehicles downstairs.
At about 9 p.m., a person covered with a towel was seen being taken to an ambulance. SCDF later confirmed that it received an assistance call at about 7:20 p.m. and conveyed one person to National University Hospital.
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Police officers were still taking statements inside the flat at around 10 pm. Police investigations are ongoing.
Domestic workers can face difficult responsibilities when caring for family members who need assistance. However, any dispute over suspected theft must be handled through proper channels. The investigation will establish what happened inside the flat and whether further action is needed.