- Fugitive apprehended; Remaining three still at large
The fugitive's run has ended: A criminal who had managed to slip away from a secure location in Lower Bavaria was apprehended by Austrian law enforcement. The capture happened on Thursday evening during a routine traffic stop near Graz in Styria, as reported by the authorities.
During the apprehension, the man didn't put up a fight and is now being held in a Austrian prison. The police spokesperson refrained from providing additional details regarding the operation, citing tactical investigation reasons. The Prosecutor's Office in Regensburg has applied for the extradition of the suspect to Germany.
Regular public tips
The 28-year-old had initially fled with three other prisoners from the district hospital in Straubing on August 17. The European arrest warrant for the remaining three men remains active. The police continue to receive and review daily tips from the public.
Additionally, the police are conducting interviews, examining video footage, and assessing potential meeting and contact points for the men - including within their family circles.
Forcible escape
Based on the investigations, the four men allegedly subdued a clinic staff member last Saturday evening. They reportedly assaulted him, threatened him with death, and forced him to open the gate.
Given the "imminent danger to life," a security employee opened the lock, as reported by the facility's operators, the Lower Bavaria district. Following the attack, the four inmates left the staff member injured and fled on foot.
Charges: Hostage-taking and serious bodily harm
The authorities deemed the men dangerous due to their actions during the escape and group dynamics. Consequently, a warrant was issued against them. The public prosecutor's office and the criminal police are investigating on suspicion of hostage-taking and causing serious bodily harm. According to the police, the men were being held in the custody of the BKH for property and narcotics offenses.
The authorities are urging citizens to stay away from suspicious individuals and instead to contact the emergency number 110.
Announcement of arrest confirmation
The Prosecutor's Office in Regensburg is not only seeking the extradition of the apprehended criminal to Germany but also for the three remaining fugitives. The incident of the forcible escape happened at a district hospital in Straubing, Germany.
