Cyclist hit by bullet in restricted area under investigation for wilful trespass
Cyclist hit by bullet in restricted area under investigation for wilful trespass
SINGAPORE - The cyclist who had a bullet slug removed from his back, after he was hit while riding in a restricted area gazetted for live-firing exercises, is being investigated for wilful trespass.
The police on June 18 said investigations are ongoing.
The 42-year-old rider, who was not identified, had been cycling on June 15 in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR), between the Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs.
The area was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live-firing.
At the time, the SAF was conducting an exercise at its Nee Soon Range, about 2.3km from the site where the man was injured.
The man suffered a gunshot wound, with a bullet slug lodged in his left lower back. Police said his friends took him to the National University Hospital the same day.
His injury is not life-threatening, the police said in an earlier statement. The man was in a stable condition after surgery to remove the bullet.
The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said that under the Military Manoeuvres Act, unauthorised individuals are not allowed to enter gazetted areas designated for SAF live-firing for their own safety.
The area has signs warning against unauthorised entry.
The CCNR is Singapore's largest nature reserve, with more than 2,000ha of forest land and over 20km of trails, according to the National Parks Board (NParks).
The Woodcutter's Trail is a popular cycling route in the CCNR, known for its steep slopes and winding track. It is in a restricted area closed off to the public.
Riders typically start at Chestnut Nature Park, off Bukit Panjang, and cycle about 6km to get to the trail, usually exiting it near Mandai Crematorium or Seletar Reservoir via areas clearly marked as restricted.
The Straits Times found on June 17 that there are prominent signs around the park warning of a live-firing area and for visitors to keep clear. However, some cyclists and hikers choose to ignore these signs.
Under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, the penalty for wilful trespass is a maximum fine of $1,000.
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