A sense of mourning and shock has gripped the German state of Saarland following the death of a police officer during an operation in Völklingen Thursday evening.
Police received a report around 6:00 PM of an armed robbery at a gas station on the Karolinger Bridge in Völklingen. Officers pursued the suspect on foot and a physical altercation ensued, ultimately leading to an exchange of gunfire. The police officer sustained critical injuries during the confrontation and later succumbed to them. Authorities report the suspect managed to disarm an officer and utilized the service weapon in the shooting.
The suspect was also struck during the exchange and continued to flee on foot before being apprehended. They have since been hospitalized.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt expressed his dismay, stating, “I am horrified and shocked by the brutal act of violence in Völklingen. A young police officer has been ripped from life while on duty. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. My prayers are with the family of the deceased.
Saarland’s Interior Minister Rheinhold Jost stated, “As Interior Minister and superior of the Saarland police, I mourn the loss of our young colleague who lost his life in Völklingen while serving to ensure our safety. My deepest sympathy goes to his family, friends and all colleagues. We will provide the best possible support to the family and the police community during this difficult time. At the same time, we will thoroughly investigate the sequence of events during the operation”.
