Police officer charged with drunk driving after allegedly committing a hit-and-run that left a woman seriously injured

David Sun
The Straits Times
12 September 2024

A police officer who was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident with a motorcyclist has been charged with, among other things, drunk driving.

Bernard Tan Bee Sen, 52, who holds the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), was charged with five counts of traffic violations on September 12.

Three charges were for failure to stop after an accident, one charge for careless or inattentive driving, and one charge for driving while intoxicated.

According to court documents, Tan is alleged to have driven drunk on Bartley Road East at 11:58 p.m. on August 18, 2023.

He was allegedly driving a car without due caution or attention when he veered left and hit a concrete wall. He then veered right and collided with a motorcycle. The motorcyclist, a 28-year-old woman, suffered serious injuries.

He is also said to have not stopped after the accident.

Tan was seen in court accompanied by a woman. He is currently free on $15,000 bail and is expected to appear in court again on October 10.

Responding to queries, a police spokeswoman said Tan had been suspended and that her officers were expected to uphold the law and maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

She said: “We deal strictly with officers who break the law and also prosecute them. Following the incident, the SPF (Singapore Police Force) immediately launched an investigation against ASP Tan. He has since been relieved of duty.”

If convicted of drunk driving, Tan could face up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $10,000 and a two-year driving ban.