Teen held for stabbing police officer

A 17 year old boy was arrested in Leerdam during the early hours of Sunday morning for stabbing a police officer in the hand and back. Police officers in plainclothes were patrolling the streets in plain clothes due to unrest in the area. Just after midnight they noticed a group of about 5 rowdy youths and one officer decided to keep an eye on them. On the Europaplein their was an altercation between the officer and one of the boys in the group. Another boy threatened the officer with a knife. "The officer pulled back, for his own safety", according to the police, but was followed by the group. On Iepstraat another officer went to help his colleague. During a scuffle, the boy with the knife stabbed the second officer in the back and in the hand. The two officers drew their firearms and forced the boy to surrender. The stabbed officer was taken to the hospital. According to the police, he is doing well under the circumstances. The 17 year old boy was arrested for attempted murder and is still in custody. The police are looking for the other boys in the group. he initial investigation has revealed that a number of cars were damaged on the route the group was walking. The police are looking into whether this vandalism can be connected with the group of youths. Residents of Leerdam-West are outraged by the incident. "The youth have no respect for the police", one resident told the Telegraaf. "Previously you ran away when the police came. Now the youth chase the officers."