A police operation in Cologne escalated overnight, resulting in the serious injury of an officer and the eventual arrest of two suspects. The incident began with a traffic stop attempt on the A555.
Details of the Incident
According to a Cologne police official, officers attempted to stop a vehicle at approximately 0:07 a.m. on Thursday, January 22nd. During the attempt, a police officer sustained severe leg injuries. Police also discharged their firearms during the encounter.
Authorities had been conducting surveillance on two men, aged 29 and 41, in connection with suspected burglaries. Zivilkräfte (plainclothes officers) intended to arrest the men at a gas station near the Bonner Verteiler. When officers approached, the driver of the Hyundai accelerated, striking one of the officers.
The suspects then fled in the Hyundai, damaging a parked car and the storefront of a fast-food restaurant along Bonner Straße. They abandoned the vehicle in a construction area after a short distance and continued their escape on foot.
A large-scale search ensued, involving police units, a helicopter, and a police dog. The two suspects were apprehended around 2:50 a.m. on Am Leystapel, near the Rhine River.
The Cologne Police have established a homicide unit to investigate the incident. Evidence was collected at the scene, and the injured officer is receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the police operation?
Police were conducting surveillance and attempting to arrest two men, aged 29 and 41, suspected of involvement in a series of burglaries.
What injuries did the officer sustain?
One police officer sustained severe injuries to both legs during the incident.
Where were the suspects apprehended?
The two suspects were apprehended on Am Leystapel, in the vicinity of the Rhine River, at approximately 2:50 a.m.
It is possible that further investigation will reveal additional details about the events leading up to the incident and the extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in prior crimes. The homicide unit’s investigation could also determine whether the use of force by police was in accordance with protocol.
