Berlin: police officer shoots at motorist after pursuit
A motorist is shot and injured in the leg by a police officer in Berlin-Mitte after fleeing the scene. According to police, there is no risk to life.
Firearm used during vehicle check
According to WELT, Berlin police stopped a motorist following a pursuit and used a firearm in the process. The man was shot on Tuesday evening at around 21:00 at the corner of Karl-Lieberknecht-Straße and Spandauer Straße in Berlin-Mitte and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
The driver had previously been involved in a traffic accident and fled the scene. Witnesses had observed the vehicle at least during one accident, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit. During the subsequent vehicle check near Alexanderplatz, one of the officers deployed his weapon and struck the man.
The vehicle was originally stopped on suspicion of hit-and-run and possible driving under the influence of alcohol, police stated. The injured man was taken to hospital. According to a police spokesman, there is no risk to life.
Criminal police have launched an investigation into the incident. Further details about the exact sequence of events surrounding the shooting were initially unclear.
Source: WELT