The police officer who shot at a 16-year-old boy during a farmers’ protest earlier this month is now the subject of a criminal investigation, the public prosecution department said on Friday.

The police officer, who could face attempted manslaughter charges, fired at the teenager who was driving a tractor during a protest on the A32 near Heerenveen. The boy was not hit by the bullet during the incident, which was captured on film.

Police said at the time the youngster and other protesters wanted to drive at them and that they feared for their lives. The youth, named as Jouke, initially faced attempted manslaughter charges but the case was later dropped.

The public prosecution department said on Friday that the preliminary police investigation showed the officer used his gun ‘in such a way that there is sufficient reason’ to look into charging him with attempted manslaughter.

Only when the investigation is completed will officials decide if the officer should face charges and a trial.

Two other police officers also faced an investigation for using their guns during the protest. Both were found not to have acted in line with police guidelines and their cases will be dealt with internally, the public prosecution department said.