Police use of deadly force remains rare in Finland. Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva
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A person has died in Espoo after being shot by police during an early morning operation.
According to the Western Uusimaa Police Department, the incident occurred on Saturday during a police task that required the use of a firearm. Resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. The individual died at the scene.
The police have not released information on the location of the incident beyond confirming it happened in Espoo.
A resident contacted Ilta-Sanomat and reported hearing gunshot-like sounds shortly after 03:00 in the Niittykumpu area. Emergency services arrived soon after.
The witness told the newspaper that several police cars, an ambulance unit, and rescue services were present at the scene. Police remained visible in the area until at least 05:00.
The Western Uusimaa Police Department has not disclosed the identity, age, or gender of the deceased. No further details have been provided about the events leading up to the shooting or the reason for the police presence.
The use of firearms by police will now undergo a preliminary investigation, in line with the Finnish Criminal Investigation Act. All incidents involving police use of firearms during duty are subject to such review. The case is being handled by the police crimes unit of the National Prosecution Authority.
This is the second death in Finland this year resulting from police use of force. In July, police shot and killed a man in Alppiharju, Helsinki. The man, armed with a knife, was reportedly approaching officers when police first attempted to stop him with a stun device. When this failed, an officer used a firearm.
In an interview earlier this year with STT, legal scholar Henri Rikander said that 13 people had died as a result of police shootings in Finland since 2000. The Espoo incident brings the number to 14.
Police use of deadly force remains rare in Finland. Authorities have provided no comment on when further information about the Espoo case might be released.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
