A suspect who had been detained by the District Police Department in Ümraniye for ‘motorcycle theft’ managed to escape from the police station, prompting a search operation to capture him. The suspect, Yunus Emre Geçti, who had 26 criminal records, resisted the police officers who tried to apprehend him in the Ihlamurkuyu neighborhood. In the ensuing scuffle, he grabbed a police officer’s gun and opened fire on the surroundings and the police officers.
During the incident, Police Officer Şeyda Yılmaz was severely injured, while Police Officer Kürşat Hakkı Sarıtepe and the suspect’s mother P.G. were also wounded. The injured were taken to the hospital after initial treatment, but despite all efforts, Police Officer Şeyda Yılmaz succumbed to her injuries and was martyred. The fleeing suspect, Yunus Emre Geçti, was apprehended shortly after and was interrogated at the Homicide Bureau. Following the procedures at the police station, Geçti was taken to court where he was arrested for ‘intentional killing of a public servant in the line of duty’.
Meanwhile, the funeral of martyr Şeyda Yılmaz took place in her hometown of Sivas. Her husband, Police Officer Semih Yılmaz, expressed his grief on social media, stating, “Our love was cut short for the sake of the homeland. May your martyrdom be blessed, my dear love. You are the greatest longing of my life in this world. I have always loved you and will continue to love you until the end of my life, my beautiful wife.” The emotional post reflected the profound loss felt by the family and the police community.
The tragic incident sparked outrage and mourning across the country, with citizens expressing their condolences and support for the family of the fallen police officer. The sacrifice of Police Officer Şeyda Yılmaz was praised, and her dedication to duty and service to the nation was remembered. The authorities vowed to ensure that justice is served for the fallen officer and her family, and to take measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The arrest and prosecution of the suspect, Yunus Emre Geçti, are expected to proceed in accordance with the law, with the judiciary ensuring a fair trial and appropriate punishment for the crimes committed. The violent attack on the police officers and the tragic loss of a dedicated public servant have once again highlighted the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement personnel in the line of duty. The community is called upon to support and appreciate the sacrifices made by police officers and to stand in solidarity with their families during times of grief and loss.
