Former Cheers worker who insulted customer, challenged police officers to be charged with harassment

SINGAPORE — A 29-year-old man will be charged on Wednesday (Oct 18) with harassment and being uncooperative during investigations, the police said on Tuesday night.

The police said they were alerted on Jan 1 at about 8.10pm to a dispute between a customer and a man who was working at a convenience store in Raffles Quay.

Videos of the incident circulating on social media showed the store to be a Cheers outlet.

The man had insulted the customer, investigations showed, and was uncooperative when the police arrived.

He challenged the officers who had asked to see his identity card, and had also used his mobile phone to record a video of his exchange with the officers.

After the incident, the man allegedly uploaded six videos on social media, purportedly identifying the police officer by name.

The man also allegedly included captions in the videos which were abusive and demeaning to the police officers.

Cheers later told the outlet's franchisee to dismiss the man, reported citizen journalism website Stomp.

During police investigations, the man was told to attend an interview at a police station but did not turn up. He also failed to assist in investigations after the police issued on Jan 11 and 31 written orders for him to do so.

He will be charged on Wednesday with four offences:

The police said they take a stern view of abusive behaviours and disobedience to the lawful order from public servants who are carrying out their public duties. They added: "Firm actions will be taken to deal with such offenders in accordance with the law."

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