Updated: 07/25/2013 01:13 | By Channel NewsAsia
Tip-off from public nabs man with weapon
SINGAPORE: A tip-off from a member of public has helped police arrest a 38-year-old man for carrying a knife in the vicinity of West Coast Road.
Rohani Julawi, 66, was at West Coast Road at 6.10pm on Tuesday when he met other members of public who said a man was behaving suspiciously nearby.
Mr Rohani, who is a member of a residents' watch group in West Coast, looked out for the suspect and spotted a man with a suspicious object tucked under his T-shirt. Mr Rohani then made a police report.
Officers from Clementi Police Division then arrived at the scene and conducted a search, managing to detain the suspect. Officers found the knife in his possession and seized it.
The suspect will be charged in court on Thursday with carrying an offensive weapon in public places.
The man can be jailed up to three years and given at least 6 strokes of the cane if found guilty.
Commander of Clementi Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Melvin Yong, commended Mr Rohani for his alertness and public-spiritedness.
He said: "Mr Rohani is a good example of the active and engaged resident whom the police are keen to work with to enhance the safety and security of our neighbourhoods."
DAC Yong also warned that "the possession of offensive weapons in public places is a serious offence and police will ensure that offenders are dealt with to the fullest extent under the law". - CNA/jc