The life of an employee at a gas station in Heesch changed in an instant when, on February 18 of this year, two masked men entered and threatened him with a firearm. The attendant was forced to go to the storage room at the back of the store and kneel down. The robbers took away cartons of cigarettes. Today, 3 years of imprisonment has been demanded against one of the suspects in this case, of which one year is conditional.
The police found the attendant shortly after the robbery and officers immediately cordoned off a large area around the gas station. A helicopter was also deployed to get a view of the perpetrators. Ultimately, it yielded nothing. But after intensive detective work, a 40-year-old man from Uden was arrested. The man had previously been involved in property crimes.
Evidence in Abundance
The net around the suspect closed quickly after his arrest. There is much evidence linking him to the robbery. For example, his DNA matched traces found on a pair of pants and a balaclava. The items were found thrown in a trash can near the gas station. The pants matched the pants worn by one of the robbers during the robbery. This was clearly visible on security camera footage at the gas station and the victims statement.
On his phone, the police found more clues, including searches for news about the robbery. During a search of his house, part of the stolen cigarettes was also found. Ultimately, the suspect confessed today during the hearing that he committed the robbery, but he did not want to say who his accomplice was. Therefore, he stood alone before the judge today to account for himself. The search for the other suspect is not yet complete.
Serious Offense
According to the public prosecutor, this case involves a very serious offense. “The victim was forced to go to the storage room and kneel down. The suspects have thereby permanently damaged the victim. Moreover, such robberies also impact the overall sense of safety of people working at gas stations.”
The court is expected to make a ruling in two weeks.
