Police Special Forces Respond to Armed Incident at Residential Facility in Duisburg

A police special task force in Duisburg intervened in a serious incident at a residential facility for individuals with mental health conditions. Authorities reported that a 30-year-old man, allegedly armed with a knife, was injured by police gunfire during the operation and transported to hospital. His condition remains critical, and the possibility of life-threatening injuries cannot be ruled out at this stage.

The incident began in the early morning hours when emergency services were alerted to a disturbance at the facility. Upon arrival, officers encountered a man who had reportedly barricaded himself in the attic area while carrying a knife. During the initial encounter, one police officer sustained minor injuries. The situation prompted the deployment of a specialized armed response unit to ensure the safety of the residents and staff.

In an effort to de-escalate the situation, members of the special operations team attempted to communicate with the individual through a top-floor window, utilizing a fire department ladder for access. Despite these attempts, the man continued to pose a threat, which ultimately led to the use of firearms during the arrest. The number of shots fired and the exact sequence of events are still subject to investigation.

Officials have stated that, except for the injured officer, no other residents or staff members were harmed during the incident. The motive behind the man's actions remains unclear, and investigators are working to determine whether underlying mental health issues or other factors contributed to the escalation.

Given the involvement of police firearms, the investigation into the incident has been assigned to an external police unit in Bochum to ensure impartiality and transparency. Authorities are reviewing all aspects of the intervention, including the actions taken by responding officers and the protocols followed during the course of the operation.

The residential facility, designed to provide a safe environment for people with psychological conditions, is cooperating fully with law enforcement as inquiries continue. Support services have been offered to residents and staff affected by the event.

Police have emphasized that there was no ongoing danger to the public at any time during the incident. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses, and authorities are appealing for any witnesses to come forward with additional information that could assist in clarifying the circumstances surrounding the case.