Police officer to stand trial for shooting unarmed suspects in Leeuwarden
A police officer will face prosecution after shooting at a car in Leeuwarden in 2024, injuring the driver. The incident, initially linked to a burglary report, raises concerns about police use of force as the suspects were later found innocent.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | January 13, 2024 |
| Location | Drachtsterweg, Leeuwarden, Fryslân |
| Police Unit Involved | National Unit |
| Victims | Two men, later cleared of burglary charges |
| Injuries | Driver shot; both men seriously injured in subsequent accident |
| Prosecution Decision | Officer did not comply with use of force guidelines; case referred to court |
| Court | Blue Chamber of Midden-Nederland District Court, Utrecht |
The Public Prosecution Service oversees the legality of police actions, including the use of force. It ensures accountability by prosecuting officers who violate guidelines, as seen in this case. The National Investigation Service conducts independent fact-finding to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
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Police officer prosecuted for shooting incident in Leeuwarden
The Public Prosecution Service in Northern Netherlands has decided that a police officer, who at the time worked for the National Unit, will be prosecuted for his role in a shooting incident on January 13, 2024, on Drachtsterweg in Leeuwarden.
The National Investigation Service conducted a fact-finding investigation after the incident. This revealed that the police officer, together with a colleague, attempted to stop and check two individuals in a car that night. This followed a report of a burglary in the nearby village of Hempens. While the check was still ongoing, the two men got back into the car and drove off.
Fact-finding investigation
At some point, the police officer fired shots at the car. A bullet struck the driver of the vehicle. Following the shooting incident, an accident occurred in which the occupants of the car were seriously injured. The fact-finding investigation did not establish a connection between the shooting incident and the accident. It also became clear that the two men were not involved in the burglary in Hempens.
Use of force guidelines
Based on the investigation, the public prosecutor is of the opinion that the police officer did not comply with the use of force guidelines. This is punishable. Therefore, the case will be referred by the Public Prosecution Service to the blue chamber of the Midden-Nederland District Court in Utrecht.