crime
Investigations after the taking of hostages in a pharmacy in Karlsruhe
A police cordon in downtown Karlsruhe. photo
© Thomas Riedel/-/dpa
For almost five hours, a hostage-taker in Karlsruhe had several people in his power. In the late evening, special forces storm the pharmacy. But what drove the perpetrator?
After hours of hostage-taking in a pharmacy in downtown Karlsruhe, investigations into the background to the crime are underway. According to the police, a 20-year-old had eleven hostages in his power yesterday – for almost five hours. Finally, the access was made by special forces, as a local police spokesman said. According to initial findings, all hostages and the perpetrator remained physically unharmed.
Against a second person “the perpetrator is still being determined,” the police said late in the evening. The question is being investigated as to whether one of the hostages could possibly be an accomplice of the arrested person. The background to the fact is still unclear. The police initially did not want to provide any information about possible demands, such as ransom, from the hostage-taker.
The suspect is known to the police
The hostage-taking began around 4:30 p.m., and the emergency services very quickly made contact “into the pharmacy,” as it was said. They cordoned off the area extensively. After almost five hours, around 9:10 p.m., special forces stormed the pharmacy and ended the kidnapping.
The hostage-taker was overpowered and arrested. According to the information, the German suspect is already known to the police. He has received criminal charges in the past for violent and property crimes, among other things.
Shortly before the end of the hostage-taking, eyewitnesses reported two loud bangs and police officers ran towards the pharmacy. Even after the arrest, police officers searched the building – to ensure that there was not another perpetrator hiding, as the spokesman said.
According to the emergency services, there was no danger to the population. Nevertheless, the police called on people to avoid the area of operation and to follow the instructions of the emergency services. A school for accommodation was opened for residents.
Nearby events cancelled
The Karlsruhe trade fair canceled two evening events at short notice due to the situation. An event with dog trainer Martin Rütter and a master concert are affected, said a spokeswoman for the fair on request.
The Mayor of Karlsruhe, Frank Mentrup, was shocked by the hostage-taking and relieved that it ended. “It makes me deeply sad that there was such an act in our midst,” said the SPD politician in the evening. At the same time, he emphasized: “Karlsruhe is relieved that this dangerous situation ended without bloodshed.” He thanked the police, fire brigade and rescue services on behalf of the city. They would have protected the hostages’ lives. Mentrup wished the freed hostages “that they can soon put the terrible experiences behind them”.