Australian man arrested for setting fire to blinds at Changi Airport after cigarette demand denied
A 33-year-old Australian man was arrested for allegedly setting fire to curtain blinds at Changi Airport Terminal 2.
The police said in a statement that they were alerted to a case of a violent male passenger in a holding room at Terminal 2 on Dec 12 at about 2.15pm.
The man was allegedly agitated after being refused a cigarette and became verbally abusive towards auxiliary police officers.
The situation escalated when he reportedly removed the curtain blinds from the room and used a lighter to set them on fire.
The police said that he threatened to spread the flames if his demand for a cigarette was not met.
Officers from the Airport Police Division acted swiftly to extinguish the fire.
The man allegedly discharged a fire extinguisher at the officers before he was eventually subdued and arrested.
The man will be charged on Dec 13 with the offence of mischief by fire with intent to cause damage.
This offence carries a maximum jail term of up to seven years and a fine.
Investigations into other possible criminal offences committed by the man are ongoing.
Commander of Airport Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police M. Malathi said: "The Police have zero tolerance against such brazen acts of violence against police officers and acts that endanger the lives or safety of others.
"We will not hesitate to take firm action against those who blatantly disregard the law.
"Our officers responded swifty and decisively according to the situation in ensuring the safety of others in the room and prevented the incident from further escalation.
"Airport Police remains committed to keeping our airports safe and secure."
