Hostage situation in Brienz: Bank employees unharmed, suspected perpetrator arrested
An armed man held two bank employees captive in Brienz BE on Friday afternoon. Both were released unharmed, and the suspected perpetrator was taken into provisional custody.
Armed man holds two hostages in Brienz bank
Shortly before 14:55, Bernese cantonal police received a report that an armed man in a bank on the main street in Brienz had made threats and ordered staff to lock the doors. According to the NZZ, the operation proceeded without serious incident.
Several units were immediately dispatched and found three people in the bank. According to a statement from Bernese cantonal police, it was assumed that the man was holding the two employees captive against their will. The emergency personnel then surrounded the building and cordoned off the area on a large scale.
During the operation, one bank employee was able to leave the bank first, followed shortly afterwards by the second employee. The suspected perpetrator then placed his weapon on the floor inside the bank and went outside – apparently with the intention of surrendering. Police took him into provisional custody and seized the weapon. According to cantonal police, no one was injured.
In addition to various units of Bernese cantonal police, the Brienz fire brigade and an ambulance team were also involved in the operation. The Oberland public prosecutor's office has begun investigations into the precise course of events and the background to the incident.
Source: NZZ