The report was that around 6:00 PM, several boys were walking behind the Central Station with a firearm. They then went to the front through the cyclist tunnel. Various units immediately responded and were able to identify which boys were involved based on descriptions. Since they possibly had a firearm with them, a BTGP was deployed, where officers drew their weapons. This was necessary due to the firearm report, but it also startled many present and travelers at the trams around the Central Station. Police quickly brought the three under control and found a firearm. An investigation will determine whether it is a real firearm. The three are in custody. They are two boys aged 16 from Capelle a/d IJssel and Rotterdam, and a 15-year-old boy from Rotterdam.
Fake or Real?
The police regularly encounter fake firearms during arrests. We find it important that people realize the risks associated with this. Many of these weapons are visually indistinguishable from real ones. This also means that we, as police, approach individuals in a manner appropriate for a real firearm. We appreciate people who report when they see a (fake) firearm.
