SINGAPORE – A Tragic Incident

In a tragic incident that took place in March 2022, a 64-year-old man, Ng Eng Kui, met a fatal end after confronting police officers while under the influence of drugs. Brandishing a kitchen knife at the entrance of his home, Ng’s aggressive behavior escalated the situation, leaving the officers with no option but to use lethal force.

Despite repeated attempts to subdue him with Taser shots, which failed on three occasions due to poor connectivity, Ng stepped out into a narrow corridor where the confrontation ensued. When it appeared that the officers were in imminent danger, one officer discharged his weapon, striking Ng in the chest.

Coroner's Inquiry Findings

On November 4, during a coroner's inquiry led by District Judge Kamala Ponnampalam, it was ruled that Ng’s death was an unfortunate misadventure with no foul play suspected. The judge emphasized that the single gunshot fired by the officer was justified under the circumstances, given Ng's aggressive and non-compliant demeanor.

Evidence presented in court included police footage and body-worn camera recordings, which vividly depicted Ng’s erratic behavior. The judges noted that the situation rapidly deteriorated as Ng, despite multiple warnings to drop the knife, continued to advance toward the officers.

Toxicology Report and Background

A toxicology report revealed the presence of Class A controlled substances, specifically methamphetamine and amphetamine, in Ng’s bloodstream. It was also disclosed that Ng had a known history of substance abuse, including a diagnosis of substance-induced psychotic disorder, and was under investigation by the police and the Central Narcotics Bureau at the time of his death.

Witness Reports

Witnesses reported multiple calls to authorities regarding Ng's alarming behavior as he wandered the estate with the weapon prior to police involvement. As Ng moved around his apartment complex, he was eventually met by officers who found both his metal gate and wooden door wide open. When first confronted, Ng's incoherent shouting and gestures put the officers in a precarious position.

Attempts to Save Ng

Additionally, reports indicated that all officers involved performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an attempt to save Ng before emergency medical services arrived. However, despite their efforts, he was declared dead shortly after arriving at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

Implications and Community Discussion

This incident raises significant concerns about mental health crises involving substance abuse and the critical decisions faced by law enforcement officers in high-stakes situations. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges police encounter while trying to manage volatile encounters in which their safety and the safety of the public are at risk.

Could similar incidents happen again? What measures can be taken to prevent such tragic outcomes in the future? The discussion continues as we seek solutions to age-old challenges within our community.