- Four fugitives evading authorities in Lower Bavaria's jurisdiction
Massive Police Operation: Four Escapees on the Loose from Secure Clinic in StraubingThe authorities are still searching for four suspected criminals who managed to escape from a locked facility in Straubing. The public prosecutor's office and criminal police are investigating, suspecting hostage-taking and causing severe harm, as declared by the police. The four fugitives, among whom are a 27-year-old, a 28-year-old, and a 31-year-old, are considered dangerous individuals. They made their escape from the district hospital (BKH) on Saturday evening.
According to reports, the escapees reportedly threatened, assaulted, and held a staff member hostage to force the gates open, armed with both blunt and sharp objects. The victim suffered facial injuries and was receiving treatment in a nearby clinic. Afterwards, the four men fled on foot.
Nighttime Hunt with a Hundred Officers
Around 100 officers were dispatched to search for the men throughout the night. A helicopter and scent-detecting dogs were employed in the operation. The police spokesperson declined to provide further details about the search, citing ongoing investigations.
The citizens were advised to refrain from picking up hitchhikers and avoid suspected individuals. Instead, they were urged to contact the emergency number 110. Several eyewitness reports have been received and are being evaluated, the spokesperson said.
The individuals were imprisoned due to property and drug-related offenses.
Minister Demands Accountability
Bavaria‘s Social Minister Ulrike Scharf (CSU) called for a thorough investigation into the incident and appropriate consequences. "Every aspect is being scrutinized to ensure the secure facility poses no danger to the public or hospital staff in forensic clinics," she stated. "The safety and protection of the population is our top priority."
Measures should be taken to strengthen and improve security concepts throughout Bavaria, mentioned the minister. This includes training staff in hostage situations and examining the necessity and legality behind disrupting therapy and transferring certain patients to prisons. "Such incidents must not recur."
The minister added: "I understand the concerns and insecurity of the citizens during this extraordinary situation. Please adhere to the police's instructions and remain calm and collected."
The secure facility houses individuals who, due to insanity or diminished capacity - due to mental illness, addiction, or other factors - are exempt from the criminal justice system and thus imprisonment.
The district hospital in Straubing, as per its own information, is a specialized clinic for forensic psychiatry and psychotherapy. It fulfills the legal responsibility of secure facilities under the district's sponsorship of Lower Bavaria, and has 230 therapy spaces.
Festive Mood in the City
Straubing, a city of 50,000 inhabitants, currently has numerous police officers on duty: the annual Gauboden folk festival is taking place, attracting around 1.3 million visitors over ten days - making it the second-largest folk festival in Bavaria following Oktoberfest. As a result, thousands of visitors and partygoers are out and about. According to the police, they are not at risk.
Last week, a patient from the Mainkofen District Hospital in Deggendorf, Lower Bavaria, escaped - during a supervised outing. The man eluded his guards during a cinema visit in Plattling and was apprehended by the police around eight hours later, then was sent back to the clinic. The incident is still being thoroughly investigated, confirmed a hospital spokesperson.
The four individuals who escaped from the clinic in Straubing are originally from Germany. The police and public prosecutor's office are collaborating to bring the fugitives, including a 27-year-old, a 28-year-old, and a 31-year-old, back to justice, as the escape occurred in Germany.
