At around 7:45 PM, the colleagues see cars where several people are actively busy. What they are doing is unclear, so the officers decide to take a closer look. Upon seeing the police, one of the cars drives away. When the officers signal to stop, the driver speeds away. Soon, the driver exhibits more dangerous driving behavior, such as running red lights and even threatens to go off the road. The officers decide to break off the pursuit to avoid endangering other traffic and the suspect driver. Meanwhile, several vehicles and the police helicopter have been called to assist.
Alert Bystanders
Shortly thereafter, another police unit spots the car at Europaplein. It is parked on a nearby bike path. The suspect driver has fled. Colleagues walk through a gate near the car onto the parking lot of the flats at Aziëlaan. Here, alert bystanders point out a car that suddenly drives away. The officers run towards it and manage to stop the vehicle. In the vehicle, a 22-year-old and a 25-year-old man are arrested. The 22-year-old man is from Utrecht. The 25-year-old man is without a fixed residence. At 5 Meiplein, a 24-year-old man from Utrecht is arrested in a car, among others with the help of the officers in the helicopter.
Diverse Explosive Material
In the vehicle, parked on the bike path near the flats, various explosive materials are discovered. The EOD was called in for this. Due to the danger posed, it is necessary to evacuate residents from one flat and partially from an adjacent flat. Residents are temporarily accommodated elsewhere and can safely return home at the beginning of the night, after the explosive material has been removed.
In Custody
The detectives are conducting an investigation. The three suspects are in custody for investigation and questioning. A total of four vehicles have been seized for investigation. In Nieuwegein, the fourth vehicle and jerrycans of gasoline were seized in the parking lot.
Tips
Witnesses or individuals with relevant tips related to the investigation can provide these to the detectives via tel. 0900-8844 or anonymously via tel. 0800-7000.