Staring Incident Believed to Start New Year’s Day Slashing Incident at Orchard Central

Have you heard of the Singaporean expression, “You stare what stare?”

In Singaporean culture, staring is commonly considered impolite, as it conveys an unwelcome sense of potential threat to the person being stared at.

As a recent example, on New Year’s Eve, a tragic incident unfolded at Orchard Central, resulting in five individuals sustaining knife injuries from a slashing incident. 

Recent developments from the police investigation suggest that this fight that broke out on 1 January 2024 might have started because of a staring incident.

5 People Injured from Slashing Incident in Orchard Central After NYE Countdown

In case you missed the recent news this week, a 30-year-old man is alleged to have attacked five men and one woman, causing them injuries with a weapon.

The slashing incident reportedly took place on the 11th floor of Orchard Central, as reported by The Straits Times. 

These five individuals, who suffered knife wounds, were taken to Singapore General Hospital (SGH) for medical treatment.

The 30-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with this case, specifically for his alleged involvement in voluntarily causing harm using a dangerous weapon.

In a media release on 3 January 2024, the police disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed a possible altercation starting with a staring incident between the suspect and an 18-year-old male victim. 

The staring incident between the suspect and the victim eventually led to the suspect attacking not only the initial victim but also four other men and a 27-year-old woman.

Some of these individuals attempted to intervene and halt the attack, while others encountered the disturbance by chance.

All six victims, aged between 18 to 30, received medical attention at the hospital and have since been discharged. 

While it is reported that they suffered knife wounds, no additional details regarding the alleged weapon have been provided by the police.

Blood Stains Spotted on 11th Floor of Orchard Central

According to The Straits Times, bloodstains were discovered in multiple locations along a 200-metre stretch on the 11th floor of the mall one day after the incident occurred.

Reporters from The Straits Times conducted an on-site visit on 2 January 2024, around 2.30pm and observed these bloodstains.

The 11th floor of Orchard Central accommodates a dance club, steakhouse, and restaurant.

Upon reaching the closed Ark 11 dance club, they observed apparent blood droplets outside, as well as a blood smear on a nearby restroom wall.

Police Found Suspect Through Police Cameras

The police said the suspect fled but was identified through surveillance cameras and arrested on 2 January 2024.

The police are determined to take action against those who commit such violent acts.

The suspect is expected to be charged on 4 January 2024.

If found guilty of causing harm with a dangerous weapon, one can face up to seven years in jail, fines, and caning.

Other Recent Slashing Cases in Singapore

This slashing incident highlights a similar case from December 2023, when a 61-year-old man was arrested for attacking a man and two women at a mobile phone shop in Pasir Ris West Plaza.

In that case, the man faced attempted murder charges.

While the recent incident didn’t stem from a staring incident, it underscores a concerning rise in slashing cases in Singapore.