A dispute unfolded on Cantonment Road on December 4th at approximately 11:00 AM involving a personal mobility aid (PMA) user and a pedestrian, escalating into a verbal altercation witnessed by a passerby identified as Jimmy.
Incident Details
According to Jimmy, the PMA rider allegedly collided with the woman while traveling down a slope. The rider reportedly continued without stopping to offer assistance. Jimmy pursued the rider, catching up at the Dorsett Hotel, where the woman was described as “badly traumatised and crying.”
The woman, later identified as Korean, was unable to communicate easily in English or Chinese and was unaware of the local police hotline number. The PMA user, described as wearing glasses, reportedly used abusive language towards the woman, and at one point threatened violence, stating, “When you walk, you see your handphone. I slap across your face!”
The PMA user admitted in a video of the confrontation to hitting the woman, attributing it to impaired vision. He also claimed he was traveling within the speed limit of 10kmh. While engaged in the argument, the rider sarcastically stated, “Wah, I very scared ah, police,” as Jimmy contacted authorities.
Police Response and Investigation
Police arrived on the scene and took statements from both the woman and Jimmy. The PMA user received a warning. The 26-year-old woman sustained minor injuries but declined medical attention. The 50-year-old PMA user is currently assisting police with an investigation into the offence of voluntarily causing hurt.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has stated that users of such devices traveling at higher speeds should remain vigilant for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the incident occur?
The incident was reported to police at 11:10 AM on December 4th.
Did the woman require hospitalization?
No, the 26-year-old woman declined to be taken to the hospital despite sustaining minor injuries.
What is the status of the PMA user?
The 50-year-old male PMA user is assisting with the police investigation for the offence of voluntarily causing hurt.
As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what further action may be taken. Will this incident prompt a reevaluation of PMA safety regulations or public awareness campaigns?
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