On Tuesday afternoon, at approximately 3:10 p.m., the Police Dispatch Center received a call from the FACT Support Team requesting police assistance at a residence in Pos Abao. According to initial information, the patient was not cooperating with the FACT Team, which led to a request for additional support from the police and an ambulance at the scene.
Upon arrival, police officers encountered the psychiatric patient holding a machete and displaying highly aggressive behavior. The officers made several attempts to de-escalate the situation and repeatedly ordered the patient to put down the machete.
However, the patient did not comply with police orders and, at a certain moment, moved toward a police officer with the machete. Given the serious danger the situation posed to the officer and others present, the police officer was forced to draw his service weapon and fired, resulting in fatal consequences.
An ambulance was immediately requested with maximum urgency. Medical personnel arrived at the scene, provided care to the victim, and initially stabilized him for urgent transport to the hospital. Unfortunately, a short time later it was confirmed that the victim passed away at the hospital.
The deceased is a man with the initials F.M.H., born in Aruba on August 30, 1989, aged 36.
Relevant authorities, including forensic police, the victim support department, and the National Detective Agency (Landsrecherche), were present at the scene. The case is currently under investigation by the Landsrecherche, as the incident involves a police officer.
The Aruba Police Force has expressed its condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.