A major police operation is underway outside a supermarket in Berlin, where an armed man is holding a woman hostage. According to information released by German police, the hostage situation began shortly after 10 p.m. local time on Friday — 11 p.m. in Greece.
Police Response Underway
“At present, the suspect remains inside the store. Our forces are on site and the operation is ongoing,” said police spokesperson Stefan Petersen-Schumann early Saturday morning in a statement to the German News Agency (dpa).
Authorities are in contact with the suspect, whose motive remains unknown. “As the operation is still ongoing, we cannot provide further details at this time,” the spokesperson added.
Specialized Negotiators Deployed
In the early hours of Saturday, officers used a ladder to gain a better view inside the building. Specially trained negotiators continue efforts to communicate with and de-escalate the situation.
The area surrounding the supermarket has been cordoned off. The store is located on Hildburghausen Street in the Marienfelde district, in the southern part of Germany’s capital.