English-speaking, 1.80-meter-tall suspect sought in Zeist sexual assault
Police are searching for a man accused of committing what they call "a serious sexual offense" in Zeist, describing him as 30 to 40 years old, about 1.80 meters tall, muscular, with short hair and fair-skinned. Police describe him as speaking English with an Eastern European accent and last seen wearing shorts and a black tank top.
The suspect allegedly attacked a woman in broad daylight on Thursday after approaching her on Prinses Mariannelaan in Zeist, then fled into a nearby forest.
The suspect fled into nearby woods, triggering a large-scale manhunt with the help of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, a helicopter, and several tracking dogs. He has not yet been located.
Investigators said they have already received dozens of tips from the public. “They are all being followed up, and information remains welcome,” a police spokesperson said.
The investigation is being led by the Large-Scale Investigation Team, which is assigned to major cases with a wide social impact. Authorities again urged anyone with relevant information or security camera footage to come forward. Police warned that anyone who believes they spot the suspect should not approach him but immediately call 112.
The same man may have approached another woman on Grensweg near Hoog Kanje earlier on the day of the alleged crime. She shouted for help multiple times, causing the suspect to run away.
A man walking his dog nearby reportedly looked back but kept walking. Police said on Sunday that they have since identified and spoken with this witness, mentioning that he had a valid reason for leaving, although they did not disclose what it was.
