Businessman feared kidnapped in Utrecht

Unrest in the city of Utrecht as 61-year old businessman Geurt Bagchus has disappeared. His possible kidnapping is causing fear for his lot, and is being investigated by police. They do not yet want to label it a crime. It is entirely unclear where Bagchus, owner of runner's shop Run-Inn, is or why he disappeared. His family reported the missing person to police, who did a thorough investigation in the neighborhood, sent around a description. Burgernet was also put to the task, and his regular haunts were searched. A shoe was found in his shop, so he could be wearing only one shoe. Geurt Bagchus is well known in his town of Oog in Al. He owns a shop selling runner's paraphernalia, is involved in the district association, and is a trainer at Hellas. He is married, and has a daughter from a previous married. The daughter refused to say anything about the incident. "I know what happened, but I don't want to share that with you." Manager of Hellas, André Hoekstra was also shocked. "He was a trainer with one of the running groups." "We are very shocked and hope that it will be resolved soon." Police have sealed the shop on the Händelstraat. An investigation has been started in the business, as Bagchus was seen there last. According to de Ondernemer, the police has also been to the Albert Heijn to look at security footage. There was a police conference on Wednesday, but no statements were made on the incident. Searches were still done on Tuesday, but seemed to have been in vain. People on Twitter are reacting with shock. Apparently, neighbors saw a pair of glasses, a shoe and a telephone on the floor of the shop floor. Moreover, a bunch of keys was in the lock at the back door of the shop. It seems that Bagchus was beaten up by a few people some time ago. The owner of a shop said he had a dispute with these people. "But he doesn't let himself get intimidated" the shop owner said. "They had a good hold on him. I don't know if that has to do with anything, but it was a coincidence. I'm afraid that more is happening than just a missing person." The community is worried. The disappearance of Bagchus is the talk of the day. They know him as a nice man. "With a passion for running", says Lex van Dorp, co-worker at Mitra. "I didn't see or hear anything. I just hope he will return soon." Karin van Santen from the clothing shop and neighbor of Run-Inn is also uneasy. "Oog in Al is like a small village. Everyone knows each other and everyone also knows Geurt. This hits us hard."

Vermist: Utrechtse ondernemer Geurt Bagchus. Iets gezien? #spoorloos #politie #oproep http://t.co/SKEpn0omcT pic.twitter.com/SLrTFGBg3m

— De Ondernemer (@De_Ondernemer) March 13, 2014