On Tuesday, an ex-soldier in Unterkirnach resisted a forced eviction for hours. An investigation is underway against the 62-year-old, who is under medical care.
After the major police operation on Tuesday in the Black Forest community of Unterkirnach (Schwarzwald-Baar district), the Konstanz public prosecutor’s office has now initiated an investigation against the 62-year-old ex-soldier. The man barricaded himself in the house for hours and threatened to set it on fire.
Several weapons registered on ex-soldiers
As the Konstanz public prosecutor’s office announced on Wednesday, the man is accused of threatening, resisting law enforcement officers in a particularly serious case and disturbing the public peace by threatening to commit crimes. According to the public prosecutor’s office, a certain amount of explosives was found in the ex-soldier’s house. No details were given. According to current findings, long guns and handguns are also registered to the man. The 62-year-old is also said to have an explosives permit and to be a member of a shooting club.
After the man gave up on Tuesday evening, defusing officers intensively searched the house, said a police spokesman on site. “Every package we find is checked for explosives.” The officials are preparing for a lengthy investigation.
Searching for clues: The police comb the ex-soldier’s house for weapons and explosives. SWR
62-year-old surrendered after twelve hours
The man vehemently refused to vacate his house on Tuesday. Specially trained police employees negotiated with the 62-year-old for hours. The special operations command (SEK) and a police dog unit were also on site on Tuesday. According to the police, residents in neighboring houses were brought to safety as a precaution. The area around the affected house was largely cordoned off.
After almost twelve hours of negotiations, the man allowed himself to be arrested without resistance. According to a police spokesman, he is currently under medical care.
The man was a member of the Bundeswehr
According to a police spokesman, the man was a former soldier. He didn’t belong to any special forces. There is no evidence that he belongs to the scene of so-called Reich citizens. “Reich citizens” are people who do not recognize the Federal Republic and its democratic structures.
Exterior shot of the semi-detached house in which a 62-year-old resident has barricaded himself.
picture alliance/dpa | Silas Stein
People should avoid the area
Further investigations should now clarify whether the arrested man really posed a danger – for example because he had weapons or explosives with him. A police spokesman said the suspect should be questioned to find out more about his motive.
When it comes to forced evictions, the police are often involved right from the start because of the possible risks, as was the case in this case. After learning about the 62-year-old’s possession of weapons and because of his threats, they decided to launch a large-scale operation.