Gunshot in Oftringen: 50-year-old Swiss man taken away after police operation
A loud bang alarmed residents of a residential block in Oftringen on Thursday evening. The cantonal police confirm a gunshot – it is said to have been caused by a mishandling.
Gunshot in Oftringen residential block: mishandling triggers major operation
A loud bang startled residents of a residential block on Winkelstrasse in Oftringen on Thursday evening. According to Google News CH — Crime (de), a 50-year-old Swiss man was taken away by police following the incident.
A resident who had just returned from work heard the bang and initially thought it was a firecracker or fireworks, as she told regional broadcaster Tele M1. Shortly afterwards, several police vehicles stood in front of the building. Out of fear, she remained in her flat and looked through the peephole. The incident particularly disturbed her because a fatal gunshot had occurred in Aarau just the previous weekend.
The operation lasted around one hour. Caretaker Stefan Hüssi was unable to return to his flat during this time and had to wait behind a garage. "Suddenly the police officers came, with such long rifles," he told Tele M1. Six to seven officers were deployed around the residential blocks, several of them equipped with helmets and protective vests. According to the cantonal police, such equipment is standard for reported gunshot incidents.
For the affected resident, the escalation was not surprising. The couple from the neighbouring flat had repeatedly and loudly argued in recent weeks and months – with door slamming, sometimes in the middle of the night. "Sleep was constantly being disturbed and I couldn't sleep," she said. She and other tenants had considered calling the police several times but were uncertain.
On Thursday evening, the situation escalated. Through the window, the resident observed the man being brought to a police vehicle, where he continued to shout loudly.
The cantonal police confirm the operation and the gunshot. Based on current findings, it is said to have been caused by a mishandling; there was no threat situation. Why the 50-year-old Swiss man was holding a weapon and how the shot occurred is the subject of ongoing investigations.
After the operation concluded, 15 to 20 people from the neighbourhood gathered in front of the building, according to the resident. Some filmed the events, others wanted to know what had happened. "Many were frightened," she said.
Source: Google News CH — Crime (de)