One person died during a bank robbery in Regensburg, Germany, on Thursday afternoon, police confirmed. The 20-year-old German suspect, who took employees hostage at knifepoint, has been arrested by a special police unit.
Police in Regensburg received the first report of a possible bank robbery at 2:50 PM. Within minutes, large police forces, including a special operations unit, surrounded the building complex on Stromerstrasse where the bank is located. The area was cordoned off as officers moved in to assess the situation.
At around 4:00 PM, the daily newspaper „Mittelbayerische Zeitung” published a recording in which a police spokesperson described the unfolding events. – We can confirm the possibility of hostages being taken, that is likely where things are heading. We cannot provide a more detailed assessment yet – said the police spokesperson.
Hostage crisis and fatal injury
According to the news portal „Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”, which cited law enforcement sources, several bank employees were trapped inside the building by the attacker. The suspect, armed with a knife, threatened the staff and took them hostage. During the incident, one person was stabbed and seriously wounded. That individual managed to leave the bank on their own and was rushed to a hospital. Despite receiving medical care, they later died from their injuries.
At the time, two other employees were still believed to be inside the bank. Police negotiators attempted to establish contact with the suspect, while the special unit prepared for a possible tactical intervention. The situation remained tense for several hours, with emergency services maintaining a heavy presence in the area.
Suspect in custody, faces murder charges
Shortly after 6:00 PM, local police announced that the special forces unit had successfully apprehended the suspect. The man, identified as a 20-year-old German citizen, was taken into custody without further incident. Authorities stated that he acted alone and will be charged with murder and attempted robbery.
Investigators are now working to determine the motive behind the attack. Police have not yet released the identity of the deceased victim, pending notification of next of kin. The two remaining employees were rescued safely and are receiving psychological support. The bank branch remains closed as forensic teams collect evidence at the scene.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
