The criminal case against a 22-year-old man suspected of a shooting incident in Tammingecamp street in Emmen has been postponed again. The Public Prosecution Service is experiencing capacity problems, which means that substantive proceedings cannot yet take place.
The suspect reacted disappointed in the court in Assen on Wednesday. According to the schedule, the case was ready for trial: earlier this year, five more witnesses were heard, as agreed during a hearing in February.
The twenty-something is suspected of, among other things, two attempted manslaughter, prohibited possession of weapons, threats, vandalism and drug possession. He was arrested on May 29 last year after an early morning shooting incident in which shots were fired at a car and three homes.
According to the suspect, he acted in self-defense. He states that he was attacked by two men in a car, a 31-year-old from Emmen and a 34-year-old from Coevorden. They were also arrested. According to the file, the man from Coevorden wore a bulletproof vest and allegedly shouted: “It’s war” as he drove towards the neighborhood with the other.
The suspect’s lawyer argued for his client’s release pending treatment. According to him, the statements of witnesses are more exculpatory than incriminating. The court did not agree with this.
The judges emphasized the seriousness of the case: shots were fired in broad daylight in a residential area, while residents were at home. “It is a miracle that no injuries were reported,” the court said. According to the judges, releasing the suspect would not be explainable to society.
The substantive hearing is (for now) scheduled for July 16.
