Police chainsaw critically wounds innocent man during arrest attempt in Rotterdam
A resident of a Rotterdam home was seriously wounded when a police tactical team used a chainsaw to force their way into the home, striking the man who was behind the door. The incident happened while the police officers were attempting to arrest a different man at the residence, who was wanted in an armed robbery case, AD and Rijnmond reported.
The victim was treated at the scene by the medic working with the police unit. He was then transported in critical condition to an area hospital. Meanwhile, the 18-year-old suspect was also apprehended at the scene.
A police spokesperson confirmed the injury took place at about 6 a.m. on Monday after the tactical team was unable to force the front door open using a battering ram. Attempts to use a pneumatic device also failed.
“The team didn’t want to use explosives, so a chainsaw was used. At that moment, a resident, not the suspect, appeared to be right behind the front door,” the spokesperson told AD. Investigators do not yet know why the man was behind the door, or if he was trying to open it. His current condition was not revealed.
The teenager arrested in Rotterdam was still in custody on Thursday, and was awaiting his initial hearing before a magistrate. His detention can initially be extended by up to 14 days while the investigation continues. A district court can then decide how to handle the suspect’s further detention at a formal arraignment.
Cases involving injuries during police actions, and the general use of force by police officers, are handled by the Rijksrecherche. The independent service conducts independent investigations of incidents and wrongdoing at government offices. Their work is overseen by the Public Prosecution Service (OM), which then decides whether additional criminal charges should be filed.
“Our officers themselves are also extremely shocked by the incident,” the police spokesperson said. The DSI police tactical teams are deployed to carry out arrests that have a potential to turn violent, including suspects who may be armed.
They also respond to terrorist attacks and hostage situations, like the lengthy stand-off at the Apple Store on Leidseplein in Amsterdam a few years ago.
