Woman who stabbed herself during police stand-off in Tampines charged, remanded for psychiatric observation

SINGAPORE: A woman who stabbed herself during a stand-off with police outside St Hilda's Secondary School was charged on Wednesday (Sep 21).

Singaporean Juliana Abdul Kadir, 53, was handed one count of possessing offensive weapons - a knife about 21cm long and a penknife blade about 13cm long - without lawful purpose while outside the school on Monday. 

Police were called to the scene at Tampines Street 82 at 6.30pm. 

When officers arrived at the scene, Juliana was uncooperative and refused to comply with the police’s instructions, the police had said on Monday.

"The woman then stabbed herself in the abdomen and threatened to further harm herself. For her safety, one of the police officers then discharged a Taser to prevent the woman from further injuring herself," the police added.

When CNA arrived at the scene at around 7pm, Juliana was seen screaming in pain. At least two police cars and about 10 police officers were present. Several eyewitnesses said they saw Juliana brandishing a knife. 

An ambulance arrived shortly after and paramedics tried to calm Juliana, who wore a green shirt stained with what seemed like blood at her torso area. 

She was subsequently arrested for possession of an offensive weapon and suspected drug-related offences. She was also apprehended under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act. 

Juliana was then taken to the hospital conscious and in a stable condition. 

She has been remanded for psychiatric observation and will return for a next hearing on Oct 12. 

If convicted of possessing an offensive weapon without lawful authority, Juliana may be jailed for up to three years. She cannot be caned as she is a woman.