Dutch Police Arrest Suspect in Rotterdam Shooting Spree
Arrest Made in Series of Random Killings
Dutch police have arrested a 24-year-old man suspected of shooting dead three people in the port city of Rotterdam over a two-week period. The series of killings has struck fear into local residents and been headline news in the Netherlands, where armed violence is usually linked to organized crime groups.
Motive Remains Unclear
The suspect, who has no fixed abode, was arrested after a weapon was found at the scene. There is no indication yet of a motive, according to Chief Prosecutor Hugo Hillenaar. "It has been a nightmare for everyone living in Rotterdam but also for me personally and for all the professionals involved as someone was freely wandering around shooting random victims," said Hillenaar.
Suspect’s Background
The suspect was born on the Caribbean island of Curacao but grew up in the Netherlands. He was known to police for petty crimes as a juvenile, such as shoplifting.
Timeline of Events
The spree started on December 21, when a 63-year-old man was shot in the head and later died of his injuries. Nearly exactly a week later, a 58-year-old man was shot in similar circumstances in the same neighborhood. On Thursday, an 81-year-old man was shot, prompting police to arrest the suspect just before midnight.
Police Investigation
Rotterdam police chief Fred Westerbeke said his team quickly established a link between the two initial killings but were unable to prevent a third. "We had actually questioned the suspect in a shop on Thursday evening, but could not match him to the grainy CCTV image circulating at the time," said Westerbeke. Police took a photo of the suspect and his identity details, which allowed them to arrest him just before midnight on Thursday.
Random Targeting
Authorities have not found any link between the three victims, and so "we are assuming they were chosen at random," said Westerbeke.
Reaction from Rotterdam Mayor
Rotterdam mayor Carola Schouten expressed relief at the arrest, saying, "This has put an end to a terrifying situation. I sincerely hope, and I also assume, that we can support each other in this sorrow. Take good care of each other."
Conclusion
The arrest brings an end to a series of random killings that had shaken the city of Rotterdam. While the motive behind the shootings remains unclear, authorities are relieved that the suspect is in custody and that the community can now begin to heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was arrested?
A 24-year-old man suspected of shooting dead three people in Rotterdam. - How old were the victims?
A 63-year-old man, a 58-year-old man, and an 81-year-old man. - What is the motive behind the shootings?
The motive is still unclear, but authorities believe the victims were chosen at random. - Was the suspect known to police?
Yes, the suspect was known to police for petty crimes as a juvenile. - When was the suspect arrested?
The suspect was arrested just before midnight on Thursday.