A Romanian (34) was involved in a cinematic chase with police officers from Salzburg and Bavaria. The smuggler wanted to escape the officers and was even able to escape for a short time. Shots were also fired during the wild ride through Pinzgau. A Syrian (27) was reportedly hit.
Early today, Monday, the German police informed their colleagues from the Salzburg police about a pursuit from Schneizelreuth in Bavaria towards the Austrian border. German police tried in vain to stop a Romanian van during an immigration check, after which the vehicle turned around and fled towards Austria.
The unknown driver fled into Austria via the Steinpass border crossing, after which German police patrols began the pursuit on Pinzgauer Straße (B311) towards Saalfelden. They tried to stop the van using emergency signals. The driver ignored all stop signs and also drove around a roadblock of two Austrian police vehicles near Dießbach. As a result, an Austrian police patrol managed to sit in front of the getaway vehicle in an attempt to stop the van.
The man was able to escape in the dark
However, the driver of the fleeing vehicle accelerated again and rammed the patrol car from behind. This resulted in several dangerous violations as the driver repeatedly struck the patrol car from behind and from the side and attempted to force the police vehicle off the road. The police vehicle continued to skid. To put an end to this dangerous situation for himself and other road users, one of the police officers from the police vehicle fired shots at the getaway car to get the driver to stop.
Shortly before Saalfelden, the unknown man suddenly left the highway in his box truck and drove along a municipal road towards Lenzing. Winter road conditions caused the van to veer off the road and become stuck in the snow. The driver then fled on foot. An immediately started search, which also involved assistance dog patrols, the police helicopter and a police drone, initially failed in the dark and due to poor visibility due to the weather.
Romanian (34) finally recognized by witness
There were ten Syrian nationals in the rear part of the vehicle. Eight of them were unharmed and are currently being questioned by immigration police. Two Syrian nationals, aged 19 and 27, were in the passenger compartment with undetermined injuries. The 27-year-old is receiving medical treatment at Salzburg University Hospital for a gunshot wound.
Around 8:15 am, a witness reported a suspicious person in the Lenzing area. Moments later, police arrested a 34-year-old Romanian as a fugitive driver. The man suffered an unknown degree of injury during his flight, received medical treatment and is currently being questioned.
Did a police officer shoot a Syrian (27)?
The Salzburg State Police is currently still investigating the facts, especially with regard to smuggling. To maintain objectivity, the use of firearms is determined by the Vorarlberg State Police Directorate based on a general guideline from the General Directorate of Public Security. The Salzburg public prosecutor ordered the seizure of the escape or smuggling vehicle.
The exact facts, use of firearms, evidence and nationalities of all involved are the subject of ongoing criminal and immigration police investigations. More details about the case will be reported as soon as they become known.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
