A 39-year-old man was shot dead by police in Oberkirch in Baden-Württemberg this afternoon during an operation in his apartment. He had previously attacked the officers with a knife, the Offenburg public prosecutor’s office, the police and the State Criminal Police Office said.
The operation came about after the police were informed about a man with mental health issues. The officers assumed that third parties could be in danger and that the 39-year-old could commit suicide.
In the apartment they found the man, who was already bleeding. When the emergency services tried to help him, he came at them with a knife. The police then shot at him.
The 39-year-old died on the spot despite resuscitation efforts, it was reported. The State Criminal Police Office and the Offenburg police are investigating the alleged threat and the use of firearms by the police.
Do you have suicidal thoughts, or have you noticed them in a relative or friend? Help is available from the telephone counseling service: Anonymous advice is available around the clock on the free numbers 0800 / 111 0 111 and 0800 / 111 0 222. Advice is also available via the Internet at http://www.telefonseelsorge.deA list of nationwide help centers can be found on the Page of the German Society for Suicide Prevention.
