SINGAPORE, March 26 — The 63-year-old man who fled Singapore for 38 years after he was found to allegedly possess a pistol has been charged on Monday (March 26). 

Seow Lam Seng, a Singaporean, faces one count of unlawful possession of firearms, an offence punishable with life imprisonment.

In a media release on Sunday night, the police said that, at around 2.30pm on Oct 3, 1980, Seow and his companion Lee Ah Fatt were stopped by officers along Tanjong Katong Road as they were behaving suspiciously.

Court documents revealed that the incident took place at Sin Po Po Bar at 241 Tanjong Katong Road.

Advertisement

Seow was allegedly found to have a pistol on him.

Lee, who was also said to have a pistol with him, drew it out from his back trouser pocket and pointed it at the police officers.

Lee’s act prompted one of the officers to open fire on him with his service revolver, but a struggle between Lee and the officers ensued.

Advertisement

Amid the chaos, Seow took off and escaped the scene. Lee later died from his injuries.

But after being on the run for 38 years, he was nabbed in Penang last Thursday with the assistance of the Royal Malaysia Police.

He was extradited back to Singapore the next day.

In court on Monday, no plea was taken from Seow, who was dressed in an off-white polo T-shirt.

He will be remanded for further investigations and returns to court on April 2. — TODAY