A man in his 40s was killed Saturday afternoon during a police operation in Leonberg, authorities confirmed. According to the Stuttgart Public Prosecutor’s Office and the State Criminal Police Office of Baden-Württemberg, the incident began when the 44-year-old male, residing in Hohheckstraße, reportedly discharged a firearm from an upper floor of his home, firing multiple times towards the street, a neighboring building and passersby. Initial reports indicate the man also fired shots at responding police officers, though no injuries were reported.
Following the initial shooting, the man retreated inside his residence. Police attempts to establish contact were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls.
Subsequently, the man allegedly threatened officers of the Special Operations Command (a specialized police unit) with a firearm, prompting police to use their own firearms. Despite immediate medical assistance, the man died at the scene.
During the securing of the firearm which officials say the man used to threaten officers, it was discovered to be a compressed air gun. Investigations are underway to determine whether this was the weapon used in the initial discharge of shots from the building.
The investigation into the police use of firearms is being conducted by the State Criminal Police Office of Baden-Württemberg. Further information is currently unavailable due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
