Berlin Police Fire Shot at Fleeing Car During Pursuit Near Kurfürstendamm

Berlin police arrested two individuals on Tuesday afternoon following a high-speed vehicle pursuit through central Berlin that resulted in an officer opening fire. The incident began around 1:45 p.m. on Kurfürstendamm when plainclothes officers attempted to conduct a routine control on a Smart Forfour.

The driver refused to pull over upon being signaled, initiating a flight through city streets. During the getaway attempt, the vehicle mounted sidewalks, struck protective bollards, and damaged several other vehicles in the surrounding area. According to police reports, the driver also attempted on multiple occasions to run down officers who were trying to intercept the car.

To stop the fleeing vehicle, an officer discharged a firearm, aiming a single shot at one of the car's tires. The driver continued fleeing despite the damaged tire, leading police through nearby commercial streets for approximately fifteen minutes.

The pursuit ended at around 2:00 p.m. on Uhlandstraße when the suspect vehicle crashed into an oncoming car. Both vehicles sustained substantial structural damage, leaving the fleeing car immobilized. Officers immediately surrounded the vehicle and took the driver and a female passenger into custody.

Following the arrest, officers found forged identification documents in the possession of both suspects. A subsequent fingerprint verification established that active arrest warrants were pending against both individuals. Authorities did not immediately provide details regarding the underlying criminal charges associated with the warrants.

The two suspects remain in police custody and are scheduled to be brought before a judge. Authorities stated that investigations into the precise sequence of events, total property damage, and potential injuries to bystanders or officers remain ongoing.

Written by Martina Kirchner martina.kirchner@alpineweekly.com