Rotterdam police shoot and kill teen boy, 15, at McDonald's after fatbike robbery
A suspect shot dead by police following a report of an armed robbery on Sunday was identified as a 15-year-old boy. The shooting was preceded by the robbery of a fatbike on Wisselspoor in which the suspect was alleged to have used a firearm. Police shot and killed the boy at a McDonald's on Hoofdweg in the Zuid-Holland town.
It was hours before the victim's identity was confirmed, with details being released by Capelle aan den IJssel Mayor Joost Manusama. The condition of the robbery victim was not reported. Police arrested another person in connection with the late afternoon robbery.
Before a Rotterdam police officer shot an armed robbery suspect in Capelle aan den IJssel on Sunday afternoon, the suspect had been "warned many times," a police spokesperson at the scene told broadcaster NOS. "We told him: 'You're under arrest, we are the police. Stay where you are, drop the weapon.' Ultimately, he didn't listen, he started running, and we shot," the spokesperson said.
A firearm was found on the suspect, police said earlier in the day. Video circulating on social media claim to show police officers chasing the boy. Many people, including young children, witnessed the fatal shooting at the McDonald's. The violence drew a large response from emergency services, and a medical trauma team was sent to the McDonald's location by helicopter.
"The presence of young children makes the impact of the incident all the more profound," said Mayor Manusama. "This is a great loss for the deceased boy's relatives. I also realize that this incident has had a deep impact on all the bystanders who witnessed it. This can be particularly shocking and frightening for children."
The independent investigative service, Rijksrecherche, will conduct an inquiry into the use of force. The organization is responsible for investigating all cases in which police officers deploy a weapon to determine if rules and procedures were followed. They then hand over their findings and recommendations to the Public Prosecution Service, which decides whether to file criminal charges against the officers involved.
Despite all the questions and emotions the incident has raised, Manusama asked for patience until the investigation is complete. "Only then can we draw any conclusions. I therefore urge everyone to refrain from speculation, and to await the results of the investigation."
The McDonald's location will remain closed until the police investigation is complete. Staff will meet on Monday, a spokesperson for the restaurant chain announced earlier Sunday. The company said employees and patrons were offered support services, but would not say how many people witnessed the shooting. Mental care from the organization, Slachtofferhulp, will continue to be made available to witnesses and those shocked by what happened.
Manusama urged people to support each other and stand strong together. "As a municipality, we ensure that help is available to those who need it. Especially in difficult times, we must be there for each other and look out for one another."
