WILLEMSTAD – The suspect in the deadly shooting incidents in Rotterdam has been identified as a 24-year-old man of Curaçaoan descent Sendric S.. He was arrested on the evening of Thursday, January 2, by Dutch police. The suspect was located following a tip-off and had been previously checked by authorities, though he did not match the description at that time.
Initial Police Encounter
Around 7:00 PM on Thursday, police stopped the suspect in a store for a routine check. During the interaction, officers photographed him and recorded his details. At that point, his identity was not yet known, so he was not detained. However, according to Police Chief Fred Westerbeke, this initial check contributed significantly to the arrest, as it provided clearer images of the suspect.
Arrest on a Balcony
Later that night, at approximately 11:15 PM, an arrest team apprehended the 24-year-old, who has no fixed address, on the balcony of an apartment on Emelissedijk in the IJsselmonde district. The property belongs to an acquaintance of the suspect, who was not detained. A firearm was found in the apartment and seized by authorities.
Series of Fatal Shootings in IJsselmonde
Over the past two weeks, three fatal shootings occurred in the IJsselmonde neighborhood of Rotterdam:
December 21: A 63-year-old man was shot on Reyerdijk and later succumbed to his injuries.
December 28: A 58-year-old man was found injured on Roelantpad and died in the hospital.
January 2: An 81-year-old man was found critically injured in a garden on Bommelerwaard and passed away shortly thereafter.
Suspect's Criminal History
Chief Prosecutor Hugo Hillenaar revealed that the suspect was born in Curaçao but raised in the Netherlands. As a minor, he committed offenses such as shoplifting, for which he received community service and juvenile probation. He also has a history of property crimes and was convicted two years ago for the possession of a stolen scooter.
Reaction from the Mayor
Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten expressed relief following the arrest. “The uncertainty is now over,” she stated, describing the shootings as “horrific events” for Rotterdam residents, particularly in IJsselmonde. The neighborhood remains in shock, with residents experiencing grief and fear. The municipality has set up two mobile support units in the area to provide assistance to affected residents.
Police and Municipal Support
Prior to the arrest, the police and Rotterdam municipality had urged the public to exercise caution, and the Public Prosecutor's Office offered a €30,000 reward for information leading to the suspect. With the arrest now made, the reward offer has been withdrawn.