Police shoot knife-wielding man threatening mental healthcare team in Alkmaar
A man being served court documents in Alkmaar was shot by police officers early Tuesday afternoon after the suspect allegedly began to threaten the individuals trying to meet with him. The man was wounded from at least one gunshot, and he was still holed up in his home a few hours later.
“The man in question was armed with a stabbing weapon and did not comply with the instructions from the police officers,” police said in a brief statement. “The man was shot in the leg by the police.”
It happened on Van de Veldelaan in the city’s De Hoef neighborhood. Mental healthcare workers showed up at the man’s home at about 12:55 p.m. to serve a court order. They were joined by police out of concern the situation could spiral out of control.
The man remained barricaded in his home, but was eventually taken into custody at about 3:50 p.m., police said in an update. The man’s condition is not known. The nature of the court order that led to the confrontation was not specified
The police were asked for assistance because the man has a history of violence, a police spokesperson claimed in an interview with regional broadcaster NH Nieuws. “The resident grabbed a stabbing object and threatened someone present,” the spokesperson said. “The police then felt compelled to shoot him in the leg.”
Several tactical officers were also sent to the scene to help take the man into custody. There were no injuries to police or healthcare workers reported as of 4 p.m.
Police confirmed that the police officer's use of force will be investigated by the Rijksrecherche. The independent service operates under the Public Prosecution Service. Their findings are then handed over to prosecutors to determine if the police acted appropriately, and if charges will be pursued against any officers involved.
