[REVISION HISTORY]

Police face manslaughter charges in fatal Rotterdam arrest

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-18 11:46 UTC → 2026-09-22 10:36 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The investigation into the death of 51-year-old Alfredo Goeloe during a police arrest in Rotterdam-Zuid has escalated as his family formally filed manslaughter and severe assault charges against the police. While the Rijksrecherche conducts an independent investigation into officer conduct, Goeloe’s attorney, Gerald Roethof, argues the current inquiry is too narrow. The family contends the investigation focuses too heavily on whether use-of-force guidelines were followed rather than addressing the broader circumstances of the death. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) clarified that while a report of a stolen fatbike existed, the immediate reason for the stop was Goeloe’s excessive speed. After failing to provide identification, Goeloe fled, leading to a pursuit and arrest. During the encounter, Goeloe reportedly resisted, became unwell, and died at the scene despite resuscitation efforts. Social media footage shows officers pressing him to the ground while he calls for help and mentions his diabetes. A pathologist has yet to determine the exact cause of death. Following the incident, seven political parties in Rotterdam submitted inquiries to the city council regarding the OM’s communication. These parties expressed concern that the OM’s initial disclosure regarding Goeloe allegedly possessing drugs could negatively impact the public perception of the deceased and his family. It was later confirmed that Goeloe was not riding a stolen bicycle, but was using his wife’s fatbike to retrieve diabetes medication. In response to the death, the organization Controle Alt Delete is organizing a public commemoration for victims of fatal police violence on October 1 at Schouwburgplein in Rotterdam.

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