Armed Man Causes Chaos at Hannover Gas Station After Vehicle Fire

Hannover, Niedersachsen - A 34-year-old man created a dangerous scene at an Aral gas station in Hannover-Anderten on Saturday evening, reportedly setting his vehicle ablaze before threatening staff and bystanders with an axe.

The incident began around 21:35 when the individual arrived at the gas station with his burning car, leading to an alarming escalation. Witnesses described the man as shirtless, smoking a cigarette, and wielding an axe as he entered the store and began to threaten those inside.

Gas station employees quickly called the police, recognizing the escalating threat. According to a spokesperson from the Hannover police, a substantial police response was initiated, including the deployment of a helicopter to assist with the situation.

In the initial moments, the man shattered a window of one of the responding police vehicles. The situation intensified when emergency responders were unable to approach the burning vehicle due to the man's aggressive stance. Police officers were compelled to fire warning shots to deter the suspect, who remained unfazed and took refuge inside the gas station.

In response to the growing peril, a special police tactical unit (SEK) surrounded the premises. The situation culminated with the SEK overpowering the suspect using a Taser, successfully bringing him into custody.

Following his arrest, authorities discovered that the man had been wanted by police for two days under a warrant related to domestic violence. The vehicle involved in the incident--a Mercedes--was reportedly owned by his former partner. Despite extensive police efforts, he had managed to evade capture until this incident.

The fire caused significant damage, destroying several gas pumps and leaving charred remnants of the vehicle at the service station. Investigators are continuing to assess the situation and the events that led to this alarming confrontation.