- Four notorious offenders break free from the psychiatric institution.
Police Manhunt: Following the daring jailbreak of four suspects from a secure facility in Straubing, authorities are still on the hunt. According to a police spokesperson on Sunday evening, the search is being conducted "intensely" for the individuals. The Criminal Investigation Department and the Public Prosecutor's Office are investigating, suspecting counts of kidnapping and causing grievous bodily harm. The fugitives, aged 27, 28, and 31, are deemed dangerous. They made their escape from the District Hospital (BKH) last Saturday evening.
The trio was undergoing forensic care at the district clinic due to property theft and drug offenses. It's alleged that they threatened, assaulted, and kept a staff member captive to force the gate open, using crude and sharp instruments. The employee sustained facial injuries and was hospitalized. Afterwards, the four men absconded on foot.
Forensic care involves individuals, incapacitated or with reduced capacity due to mental illness or addiction, who can't be detained in prison.
Statewide Search in Bavaria with 100 Officers
Over 100 officers led the search overnight. A helicopter and police dogs were also roped in. The police spokesperson, owing to ongoing investigations, declined to divulge further details on the search, such as whether family members of the fugitives were being interrogated.
Residents were advised against picking up hitchhikers and to avoid suspicious individuals. Instead, they were encouraged to call the police emergency number 110. The police are relying on public assistance. Several tips have been received and are being scrutinized. Unfortunately, none have led to a breakthrough yet.
Minister Calls for Action Following Straubing Incident
Bavaria's Minister of Social Affairs, Ulrike Scharf (CSU), called for a thorough examination of the case and necessary actions on Sunday. "Every aspect is being scrutinized. Public and staff safety in forensic clinics may not be compromised due to forensic care," she said. "The safety and security of the public are our top priority."
Security measures in the facilities must be strengthened and improved throughout Bavaria, the minister declared. This includes enhancing hostage situation strategies and staff training. It's also crucial to examine whether, in specific situations, treatment interruptions and transfers to prisons can be expedited and carried out legally. "Such escapes must not recur."
Public Concern after Psychiatric Hospital Escape
The minister continued, expressing understanding for the public's worries and insecurities in this extraordinary situation. "Please adhere to the police's advice and remain calm and collected."
The District Hospital Straubing, per its own information, is a specialized clinic for forensic psychiatry and psychotherapy, serving under the jurisdiction of Lower Bavaria's district. It has 230 therapy rooms.
Fairground Hustle and Bustle in the City
At present, the 50,000-resident city of Straubing is teeming with police officers: the Gauboden Volksfest is ongoing, attracting around 1.3 million visitors in just over ten days, making it the second-largest folk festival in Bavaria after Oktoberfest. Consequently, there are thousands of revellers and night owls on the streets. The police assure that there's no danger to them.
Just last week, a patient from the Mainkofen district hospital in Deggendorf, Lower Bavaria, also escaped - during a supervised outing. The individual managed to evade his guards during a cinema visit in Plattling and was apprehended by police around eight hours later, subsequently returned to the clinic. The incident is still under investigation, a district spokeswoman confirmed.
The following actions are being taken by the minister in response to the incident: a thorough examination of the case and necessary actions, strengthening and improving security measures in forensic clinics, enhancing hostage situation strategies and staff training, and examining whether treatment interruptions and transfers to prisons can be expedited in specific situations.
The police are actively seeking assistance from the public to locate the fugitives, advising residents to avoid picking up hitchhikers and suspicious individuals, and calling the police emergency number 110 if they notice anything suspicious.
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