The witness provided a description of the young man. An officer was driving on Meidoornstraat and saw a young man matching the description. The young man ran away when he saw the police car.
Threatened with a knife
The officer got out of his car and chased after the young man. The pursuit continued into Esdoornstraat. When the officer was close behind, the young man suddenly stopped running, turned around, and held a knife towards the officer. The officer did not hesitate, took out his pepper spray, and sprayed the young man in the face.
Due to the effect of the pepper spray, the young man dropped his knife, and with a leg sweep, the officer brought him to the ground and handcuffed him. The young man did not resist further. Colleagues of the officer arrived and transported the suspect to a police detention center. He is still in custody there. Investigators will take a statement from him on Sunday. The suspect is 17 years old and lives in Heerle. The officer who was threatened with the knife has filed a report.
Violence against police
Violence against police officers during and outside working hours is unacceptable. Every incident is one too many. The police do not accept crossing that line. For years, the police together with the Public Prosecution Service have enforced strict policies regarding violence against police officers and other emergency workers.