Escaped criminals from Bavarian psychiatric facility remain at large
On Saturday, four men escaped from a secure psychiatric facility in Straubing, Bavaria. The police reported that they were dangerous criminals. By Sunday, the authorities had not managed to capture them.
The men, aged 27, 28, and 31, were undergoing compulsory treatment at the psychiatric facility in eastern Bavaria. On 17 August, they attacked a hospital worker and forced him to open the main entrance, through which they escaped. The attacked hospital worker sustained facial injuries and was hospitalised.
Escaped from psychiatric hospital. "They are dangerous"
The police launched a search operation, deploying a helicopter and tracking dogs in the extensive operation. By Sunday afternoon, the fugitives had not been captured.
According to information provided by the German officials, the men are dangerous.
Two of the men admitted to the psychiatric hospital in Straubing committed drug-related crimes, while the other two – thefts. The facility is a specialised forensic psychiatry and psychotherapy clinic for mentally ill and drug-addicted criminals. It was the court that directed them to compulsory rehabilitation treatment.
The prosecutor's office in Regensburg has launched an investigation against the escapees for dangerous bodily harm and taking a hostage.
Police alarm
The German police have published photos and descriptions of the escapees. Simultaneously, a warning was issued against approaching them. Anyone who notices the criminals should notify the authorities. Drivers were also warned against picking up hitchhikers.
— Safety and protection of the public are our highest priorities — declared Bavarian Minister for Social Affairs Ulrike Scharf on Sunday, who announced that she would clarify the incident. — I understand the concerns and uncertainty of citizens in this exceptional situation. Please, listen to the police advice and behave calmly and sensibly — she appealed.
Source: Deutsche Welle, zdf.de
