Police arrest suspended LTA officer caught in scuffle with Uber driver
A screencap of the video involving an LTA officer and Uber driver in a scuffle on Nov 27, 2015. Photo: Amber Pek/Facebook
SINGAPORE — A Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforcement officer who was caught on video in a scuffle with an Uber driver yesterday (Nov 27) has been arrested by the police.
In response to media queries, police confirmed that reports were lodged and a 50-year-old man has been arrested for affray. A 59-year-old man is also currently assisting with investigations.
Meanwhile, the LTA said this afternoon on Facebook that it has completed its investigation into the incident, which took place at Bugis Junction, and the Singaporean officer’s service is expected to be terminated once police investigations are completed. The officer is currently suspended from all duties.
The LTA added that it is assisting the injured driver, including with the cost of his medical bills.
In a video widely shared last night, the LTA officer was caught exchanging blows with the 59-year-old driver before a passerby intervened. The video, which was posted on Facebook by netizen Amber Pek at 10.21pm last night, has since been taken down. In her Facebook post, Ms Pek said the driver's face was bloodied following the incident, and that he was at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
"LTA apologises for this unfortunate incident and we would like to reassure the public that all our enforcement officers have to abide to a strict set of procedures when carrying out their duties. We have also reminded all LTA enforcement officers that any violent behaviour in the course of carrying enforcement duties will not be tolerated," the LTA said today.
About two hours after the video was posted online, the LTA had posted on Facebook that the officer had been suspended from all duties.
In a separate statement posted earlier on Facebook at 2pm, Uber Singapore said it was “very disappointed” to learn of last night’s incident. “We appreciate the LTA’s swift response to suspend the officer and initiate a formal investigation, and trust that appropriate action will be taken to ensure justice is delivered.”
"Our team continues to be in close contact with both the driver partner and the rider (who alerted us) since shortly after this incident took place. The driver partner, had to seek immediate medical attention and is understandably traumatised, but thankfully, not critically injured. We wish him a quick recovery and will stand by him to assist in any way we can,” said Uber Singapore, adding that it is working closely with the authorities to support their investigations.
