SINGAPORE — A 20-year-old woman admitted to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) in Singapore for self-harm tried to flee the ward and ended up snatching a loaded revolver from an auxiliary police officer during a struggle, reported AsiaOne, citing Lianhe Zaobao.

Chew Pei Xuan pleaded guilty yesterday to using criminal force to steal a firearm from an officer at the hospital. 

Court documents seen by AsiaOne stated that the incident took place around noon on July 7, when Chew removed the officer’s revolver from his holster without consent.

According to Zaobao, Chew had been admitted on July 3 after engaging in self-harm while intoxicated. 

Four days later, she attempted to escape from the hospital and locked herself inside a toilet. 

A nurse tried to persuade her to come out, but when that failed, security personnel and her doctor were alerted.

About 10 minutes later, Chew opened the door and was escorted back to her bed, where a nurse checked her for injuries. 

During this time, at least one auxiliary police officer and security staff were stationed in the ward.

When the nurse began searching for restraints, Chew made another dash for the exit. 

The officer on duty caught hold of her, and a scuffle broke out. Chew managed to break free and grabbed the officer’s firearm, which was loaded with five rounds.

She was quickly subdued by the officer and other staff, who wrestled her to the ground and pried the gun from her grip.

After the incident, Chew reportedly told investigators she had “heard a voice in her head telling her to escape and use the revolver on herself.” 

She also said she never pointed the weapon at anyone nor placed her finger on the trigger.

A psychiatric report from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) found that Chew was suffering from borderline personality disorder and depression at the time, later developing major depressive disorder. She also had a history of alcohol use disorder.

The IMH report concluded that while her mental condition was linked to her actions, she was not of unsound mind when the incident occurred.