Garden Link Showdown: When a Street Groove Turns into a Street Rumble
Setting the Stage
Picture this: a breezy Saturday evening on the Garden Link Bridge in Chinatown. The air is buzzing with the late‑night clatter of scooters, the distant soundtrack of a karaoke machine, and – most importantly – the rhythmic beat of a local dance crew. It’s a place where everyone from the tiny hawker to the elderly grandma gets a chance to shake a leg and steal a moment of freedom.
Enter the Unexpected Guest
At around 6.30 pm, a 37‑year‑old stranger in a white polo shows up, pacing like he’s searching for the next round of coffee. Once on the bridge, his mood takes a sharp turn. He starts throwing insults and, eventually, literally waving a garbage tong in an alarming display of anger.
The Incident Unfolds
- First Contact: The man confronts a 73‑year‑old woman, Chen, who’s there simply for a dose of late‑night dance. He calls her a “prostitute” and threatens to knock her out – a downright disrespectful move in a society that prides itself on respect for elders.
- Rising Tension: In a twist, Chen picks up the garbage tong to defend herself, only for the man to yank it back and start using it like a weapon.
- Physical Attack: He kicks Chen in the stomach and slams her arms and legs with the same tong, while he keeps shouting and even claims to have a bruise himself. The scene is chaotic, but the gravitas of the situation is undeniable.
- Someone Steps In: A woman in a red top tries to intervene – “We always come here to dance,” she says – but gets easily hushed. A nearby guy in purple shorts then calls the police, effectively putting a stop to the disaster.
Aftermath and The 73‑Year‑Old’s Realisation
Chen, shaken and bruised, admits that she couldn’t get a good sleep after that chaotic night and plans to see a doctor. She recounted how the man had walked up to her for “no reason” and hurled insults that rattled her sense of safety.
Police Response and Consequences
- The police were alerted at about 6.30 pm. An arrest follows: The 37‑year‑old is taken into custody for affray; the woman, 73, assists with the investigation.
- Besides this incident, there’s a fresh reminder of how elder drama can erupt – a MacPherson temple brawl back in late February where a seat‑hogs dispute turned into a blood‑spilling scene, with chairs and punches flying.
Bottom Line
In a society where “chope” (reserve) culture is a necessity, sometimes over‑zealous protection turns dangerous. This event shatters the idea that we can guard our favourite spots without crossing the line of aggression. Our value for elders should be real respect, not outright intimidation.
