Cologne taxi driver drives cars targeted at women
An apparently mentally ill taxi driver speeds through Cologne's old town, targeting unsuspecting female pedestrians. Several women are struck by his vehicle and injured. The brave intervention of a witness likely prevented further tragedy.
An apparently drug-impaired taxi driver in Cologne struck and injured several people on Monday evening. Two women, aged 22 and 27, were hospitalized with severe injuries, while two others, aged 23 and 25, sustained minor injuries. A man who attempted to stop the driver was also injured.
Witnesses reported that the taxi driver deliberately targeted his victims in the old town, first striking two women head-on in the Bechergasse near Cologne Cathedral and Alter Markt. He then drove towards the Rhine, striking two more women near a local brewery, with a third woman managing to escape by jumping aside.
A 34-year-old waiter from the brewery witnessed the incident and gave chase on foot. As the taxi approached him, he was struck by the side mirror and sustained minor injuries. Despite this, he managed to detain the driver until police arrived.
The 44-year-old driver from Velbert was found to have consumed cocaine and cannabis. Cocaine was also found in the taxi. He was taken to a psychiatric clinic after his arrest, where it was determined that he was likely mentally ill.
Earlier that evening, the same taxi had struck a 50-year-old woman in Essen, leaving her with life-threatening injuries. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the same driver was involved. Authorities have not yet classified the incident as an act of terrorism or attempted murder, as the legal assessment is still pending.
The taxi driver, who had previously caused an accident in Essen, continued his erratic behavior in Cologne, targeting women in the old town. His actions in Cologne led to several women being hospitalized and a witness being injured while trying to stop him.
