Police have arrested a 35 year-old man who is believed to be involved in at least two cases of taxi robbery.

On 6 Aug 2010 at about 5.30 pm , whilst driving along the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), a 62-year-old taxi driver was suddenly confronted by a male passenger whom he had picked up earlier at Clementi St 2. The said passenger, who was sitting in front, brandished a knife and demanded a sum of $83/- from the taxi driver. However, the taxi driver did not give in to his demands and the suspect subsequently fled empty-handed.

Upon receipt of the report, officers from Clementi Police Division conducted follow-up investigations to trace the suspect. After several stake-outs, the suspect was finally arrested on 9 August 2010 at about 6.30pm in the vicinity of Clementi West Street 2. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is believed to be involved in at least one other case of taxi robbery.

The suspect will be charged on 11 Aug 2010 for Armed Robbery under Section 392 read with Section 397 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. If convicted, he faces a jail term of up to 14 years and shall be liable for a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.

Commander of Clementi Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Melvin Yong, commended his officers for their perseverance and teamwork which resulted in the arrest of the suspect.