A man was left seriously injured after a chaotic police pursuit through the streets of Amsterdam on Tuesday evening. According to police reports, the incident began around 8:30 p.m., when officers attempted to stop the suspect for several minor traffic violations — but the encounter quickly escalated into a dangerous chase that ended in tragedy near station Rietlandpark.

Authorities say the man, who was riding an electric bicycle, caught officers’ attention after allegedly running a red light and riding without proper lighting. When police tried to speak to him, he reportedly ignored their instructions and sped off, weaving through traffic in an attempt to escape.

At first, officers lost sight of the suspect, who managed to slip away into nearby streets. But not long after, he was spotted again — still on his e-bike, still trying to evade capture. Witnesses told local media they saw the man riding recklessly, jumping curbs, and darting between cars as police followed at a distance with sirens blaring.

When officers finally closed in near Rietlandpark station, the man abandoned his bicycle and continued his escape on foot. What happened next shocked bystanders. According to the official police statement, the man jumped over the railing near the tram station in a desperate attempt to get away. The fall sent him plummeting several meters down a steep embankment.

“The officers warned him before he jumped,” a police spokesperson said. “Unfortunately, he ignored the warning and fell several meters down, sustaining serious injuries.”

Emergency services rushed to the scene, and paramedics provided immediate medical assistance. The man was transported to a nearby hospital with severe injuries. Authorities have not released details about his identity or current condition, citing privacy reasons. They also declined to confirm his place of residence.

The police department’s Safety, Integrity, and Complaints Team (VIK) has launched an internal investigation into the incident — a standard procedure whenever someone is seriously injured during or after police contact. The team will review the actions of the officers involved, including the decision-making during the pursuit and the moments leading up to the man’s fall.

While the full circumstances are still under investigation, the case has already sparked discussion online about the balance between public safety and police responsibility in urban chases. Several Amsterdam residents took to social media expressing concern that pursuits involving electric bikes in crowded city areas could easily lead to tragic consequences.

One eyewitness, who preferred to remain anonymous, told reporters that the man appeared “terrified and desperate.” “He looked behind him several times; he knew the police were right behind him,” the witness said. “When he jumped, it was like he didn’t think — he just wanted to get away.”

Others, however, defended the police response, saying the officers had little choice once the suspect began endangering himself and others by refusing to stop. “They warned him, they tried to talk to him,” said another bystander. “It’s awful what happened, but he made a very dangerous choice.”

Electric bicycles — or e-bikes — have become increasingly popular in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities, but they have also been the source of growing safety concerns. Many modified models can reach speeds far beyond the legal limit of 25 kilometers per hour, blurring the line between a bicycle and a motorized vehicle. Police have recently stepped up enforcement against unsafe or illegal e-bike use, especially at night.

This incident comes amid broader national debate about how law enforcement should handle minor traffic violations that turn into high-risk situations. Critics argue that aggressive pursuit of non-violent offenders can sometimes escalate rather than prevent harm.

For now, police are focusing on determining exactly what led to the man’s decision to flee — and whether he may have had other reasons for avoiding contact with authorities. “We are still gathering all the facts,” the spokesperson said. “Our first priority is ensuring that the individual receives the medical care he needs and that the incident is fully and transparently investigated.”

As of Wednesday evening, the area near Rietlandpark tram station had been fully reopened after forensic teams completed their on-site work. No officers or bystanders were injured during the pursuit.

The case remains under investigation.