'I gambled my life as much as he gambled his': Teen in SLE bike chase that killed LTA officer charged
The 18-year-old was given six charges spanning traffic, drug and weapon offences, five of which allegedly occurred on Jun 4.
A Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforcement officer is seen lying on a road after an accident on Jun 4, 2024. (Photo: Facebook/Singapore roads accident.com)
SINGAPORE: An 18-year-old who was in a motorcycle chase along Seletar Expressway (SLE) that killed a Land Transport Authority (LTA) officer was charged in court on Thursday (Jun 6).
When asked if he had anything to say, the teenager said: "I gambled my life as much as he gambled his. So the death ... I may be one of the contributing factors to the death, but I am not to be blamed."
The Singaporean teen was given six charges spanning traffic, drug and weapon offences, five of which allegedly occurred on Jun 4.
The teenager allegedly had a Samurai sword at Block 502A Woodlands Drive 14 on Tuesday.
He is also accused of riding a motorcycle along the SLE when he did not have a driving licence or insurance and failing to stop when ordered to do so by LTA officer Mr Zdulfika Ahakasah that same day.
According to his charge for dangerous driving, the teen cut across two lanes from the road shoulder near the Tampines Expressway exit and across the chevron marking of the expressway divider to evade the officer.
The teen was allegedly fleeing Mr Zdulfika on Tuesday morning when the latter was involved in an accident with two lorries and a van.
Mr Zdulfika was taken to hospital where he died.
The teen's earliest alleged offence was for consuming methamphetamine on Aug 7, 2023.
He cannot be named as he was 17 when he allegedly took meth. Under the Children and Young Persons Act, anyone who was under 18 at the time of the offence cannot be named.
He appeared in court on Thursday via video-link from his place of remand. The minute he appeared on screen, a woman in the public gallery began sobbing and did not stop until he left.
The prosecution sought two weeks' adjournment to complete investigations into possible additional charges for drug, traffic and cheating offences.
The prosecutor asked for no bail to be offered, saying the teen has been "on the run".
"The police gazette has been enforced by CNB (Central Narcotics Bureau)," said the prosecutor, adding that the accused absconded in October 2023 before he was about to be sent to a community rehabilitation centre.
"In addition to that, it is also because of the gravity of the offence, your honour. The charge of dangerous driving has caused the death of the pursuing officer."
The teen was not granted bail and will return to court in two weeks.
Article Credits: CNA
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