- Engaged in Water Gun Shootout Trial for Police Officer
In the court trial concerning a bullet discharged from his service gun near a Bundesliga game in Augsburg, the accused policeman attributes the incident to a brief moment of forgetfulness. A rowdy water gun fight among cop buddies outside the soccer arena spiraled out of control, according to the 28-year-old, testifying at the Augsburg Regional Court.
Water gun fight spiraled out of control
He and his colleague were doused with water guns, prompting their desire to pay back their peers with a DIY water balloon created using a rubber glove and their personal water gun. Approaching their colleagues' car, he said it all seemed like a fun day out.
Fun spiraled into near disaster
However, the fun quickly evaporated into a close call. As the police car door opened, a bullet was fired, narrowly missing an officer's head by inches, shattering a window.
The officers experienced shock, with one being struck by gunshot wounds and concussion. Another officer was lightly injured by the flying glass fragments. A Borussia Mönchengladbach fan bus, parked behind the police car, was also hit.
"Oh shit, I'm under fire!"
He recalled only seeing an officer inside the car holding a water pistol and thinking, "Oh shit, I'm under fire!" Following a deafening bang, he found himself staring at a shocked colleague, looking pale as a ghost, and then realized he was holding his weapon.
He couldn't remember pulling the trigger: "I didn't even register having the weapon in hand."
Judge questions story's credibility
The remorseful 28-year-old surmised the unexpected situation might have triggered a quick reaction due to the numerous firearms training sessions during his military service. He expressed his regret over the incident, "That was unprofessional, engaging in such water games during an operation with live ammunition."
The trial judge, Christoph Kern, expressed skepticism over the 28-year-old's account: "Suddenly, 2.5 seconds are supposed to have vanished – why?" The court has scheduled three trial dates and a fourth is pending. A verdict is set to be handed down either on the 22nd of August or the 5th of September.
The water gun fight initially occurred near the soccer arena, adding to the chaotic atmosphere of the day. Despite their initial intentions to retaliate, the officers' fun spiraled into a near disaster when a bullet was accidentally fired during the incident.
