Berlin Police Seek Witnesses in Cold Case Involving Former Biker Club Member

In a case that has remained unsolved for over 16 years, the Berlin police have issued a call for witnesses regarding the shooting of Michael Bartelt, a former member of a motorcycle club, in Lichtenberg. This tragic incident occurred on August 13, 2009, when Bartelt was shot multiple times from a vehicle at the intersection of Ernst-Barlach-Straße and Warnemünder Straße shortly before midnight.

Despite managing to flee the scene, Bartelt succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter at the intersection of Ernst-Barlach-Straße and Egon-Erwin-Kisch-Straße. At the time of his death, he was just 33 years old.

This shooting was a significant escalation in the violent rivalry between motorcycle gangs in Berlin and Brandenburg. Reports indicate that Bartelt was previously affiliated with the Hells Angels but had allegedly switched allegiances to the rival Bandidos, suggesting that his murder may have been motivated by vengeance.

Law enforcement is seeking any information that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting. They urge anyone who might have seen suspicious individuals or vehicles in the vicinity of the crime scene during the night of August 13 to come forward. Specific inquiries include:

• Were there any unusual persons or vehicles observed between 11 PM and 12:30 AM on the night of the incident?
• Did anyone record video or take photographs in the area that night?
• Was there any communication with Michael Bartelt on the evening of August 13, 2009?
• Do you have any other pertinent information that could assist the investigation?

The Berlin police are particularly interested in gathering as much information as possible to bring closure to this long-standing case. Tips can be reported to the dedicated unit at the Landeskriminalamt located at Tempelhofer Damm 12 in Tempelhof by calling (030) 4664-941203 or via email at LKA412-hinweis@polizei.berlin.de. Additionally, information can be provided at any police station or through the online police service.

This renewed effort to solve the case comes in the wake of increasing violence among organized crime groups in the region, underscoring the importance of community involvement in combating such criminal activities.