Singapore hospital patient jailed after grabbing armed guard’s revolver over nail clipper row

SINGAPORE, June 17 — A hospitalised man who became agitated after nurses refused his request for a nail clipper attempted to grab an auxiliary police officer’s loaded revolver, a court heard.

According to The Straits Times, the revolver was holstered at the officer’s waist and contained five live rounds at the time of the incident.

The court heard that 42-year-old Goh Chuan Chong was an inpatient at Changi General Hospital on August 3, 2024, although the reason for his admission was not disclosed.

While in the ward, Goh had asked a nurse for a nail clipper, but his request was rejected. A similar request the following day was also denied.

He subsequently became agitated and aggressive, prompting nurses to call for assistance from auxiliary police officers stationed at the hospital.

Two officers later arrived at the ward and found Goh seated on the bed and appearing calm.

However, as one of the officers approached to speak with him, Goh suddenly reached out and grabbed the officer’s revolver.

He was unable to remove the weapon as it was secured in a buttoned holster. The officer immediately pushed his hand away and stepped back.

When questioned, Goh said he had attempted to take the gun to shoot himself after being denied the nail clipper.

He was arrested on Aug 4, 2024, and has remained in remand since then.

The prosecution said Goh’s mental condition should be given some mitigating consideration, though no further details were disclosed in court.