- State's Predicament: Escape of Criminal Causes Major Setback
After the breakout of four lawbreakers from Straubing District Hospital (BKH), the state's SPD voiced stern criticism against the government and criticized the conditions in the forensic psychiatric care. Minister of Social Affairs Ulrike Scharf (CSU) declared that she would scrutinize everything following the incident, but SPD spokesman Horst Arnold warned against making this a singular response.
"Missteps happening within our own premises should not be disregarded, but neither should they serve as a pretext for persecuting understaffed employees in the forensic psychiatric care," Arnold stated. In the future, all facets and issues must be managed more effectively in a sustainable and progressive manner.
Safety concerns post reconstruction
On August 12, 2019, at that time, Minister of Social Affairs Kerstin Schreyer (CSU) indicated that, due to the proposed restructuring at Straubing BKH, "the security concerns of the populace would be meticulously considered," Arnold mentioned. In this context, the escape of four criminals constitutes a calamity for the state government.
The case of the escape must be analyzed rigorously and honestly. "It's indisputable that the escapees conspired, planned, and organized – this was not a spur-of-the-moment act. Usually, such behavior would not elude the observation of adequately staffed personnel." The safety measures between forensic psychiatric care and law enforcement appear to be insufficient.
Arnold described the abduction of a care worker as particularly alarming. All care workers should be furnished with a personal emergency device (PND) to avoid such incidents and at least deter individuals in secure custody.
Investigations against the escaped criminals
The four fugitive criminals from Lower Bavaria have been on the run since Saturday evening. The police and public prosecutor's office are investigating them on charges of hostage-taking and intentional bodily harm. The men are reported to have threatened, assaulted, and abducted a district hospital staff member on Saturday evening to force the gate to be opened. The escapees are considered dangerous. They are currently undergoing forensic psychiatric treatment at BKH due to property and narcotics offenses.
Notification 1 Notification 2 - Public appeal for information Notification 3
- The four escaped criminals, who are currently on the run from Lower Bavaria, are being investigated by both the police and public prosecutor's office for charges of hostage-taking and intentional bodily harm.
- The situation in Lower Bavaria is of significant concern, as these individuals were undergoing forensic psychiatric treatment at Straubing BKH due to property and narcotics offenses.
