Canadian man to be charged for alleged abuse and assault of police at Changi Airport

A 28-year-old Canadian man will be charged in court on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, for allegedly behaving in a disorderly and aggressive manner towards law enforcement officers at Changi Airport, including scratching one officer and hurling vulgarities at several others.

The incident took place on the morning of Sunday, 5 October 2025, at approximately 9.20am. According to a police media release, the man was reportedly intoxicated and causing a public nuisance in the departure area of Terminal 1.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the man became confrontational when asked by an auxiliary police officer to present his boarding pass and place it atop his passport. Instead of complying, he allegedly responded with repeated vulgarities and walked away, disregarding multiple warnings to stop.

When officers from the Airport Police Division responded to the scene, the man allegedly escalated his behaviour. He is accused of continuing to use abusive language, pushing one of the responding officers, and scratching him.

The injured officer sustained minor injuries to his arms and was subsequently given two days of medical leave.

The suspect was arrested on the same day. Police have confirmed that charges will be brought against him in court on 7 October.

He faces three potential charges under Singapore law:

• Voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from duty, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment, along with a possible fine or caning.

• Using abusive words against a public servant, an offence punishable by up to 12 months’ jail, a fine of up to S$5,000 (US$3,870), or both.

• Being drunk and causing a public nuisance, which could lead to up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$1,000, or both.

Authorities have not released the man’s name, and investigations are ongoing.

The police have reiterated their zero-tolerance stance towards acts of violence or abuse against public officers performing their duties. "Such behaviour will be firmly dealt with in accordance with the law," the statement read.