SINGAPORE: A 33-year-old Australian man was arrested for allegedly committing mischief by fire with intent to cause damage to property at Changi Airport on Thursday (Dec 12).
The police were alerted to the incident involving a violent male passenger at around 2.15am. It took place in a holding room at Terminal 2, the police said.
The man was reportedly agitated and verbally abusive towards auxiliary police officers after being denied a cigarette.
Before the police arrived, he allegedly removed curtain blinds and set them on fire using a lighter, threatening to spread the fire if his demand was not met.
Officers from the Airport Police Division managed to extinguish the fire. During the incident, the man also sprayed at the officers using a fire extinguisher. He was subsequently arrested.
The man is expected to be charged on Dec 13 for mischief by fire with intent to cause damage. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in jail or a fine, or both. Investigations into other potential criminal offences are ongoing.
Assistant Commissioner of Police M. Malathi, Commander of the Airport Police Division, said in a statement on Dec 12: “The Police have zero tolerance against such brazen acts of violence against police officers and acts that endanger the lives or safety of others.
“We will not hesitate to take firm action against those who blatantly disregard the law.” - The Straits Times/ANN
