Even a blast of pepper spray couldn’t stop the man. A driver’s spectacular escape from the police: In Singen, a police operation following a traffic accident escalated. A video currently circulating online shows a police officer spraying pepper spray into the face of a Mercedes driver through the open driver’s side door. Suddenly, the man behind the wheel puts the car in reverse, drives off, and the officer falls. With the trunk open, the man speeds away.
In response to a BILD inquiry, the Konstanz police headquarters confirmed the incident and the corresponding video. Here’s what happened: According to police, the 44-year-old driver caused
an
accident on Sunday evening around 6:45 p.m. on Georg-Fischer-Straße in Singen (Baden-Württemberg) . While driving towards Rielasinger Straße, he allegedly rear-ended a Seat at the intersection with Worblinger Straße – “presumably intentionally” and “likely in a state of mental distress,” as the police stated.
Driver suddenly accelerates car
The statement continues: “During the subsequent accident investigation, the 44-year-old became aggressive and uncooperative, vehemently resisting the officers’ instructions.” The officers then used pepper spray. Undeterred, the man put the car in reverse and accelerated. “In doing so, he knocked over an officer standing next to the car with the open driver’s side door and fled the scene,” the police said .
Police called off the pursuit of the Mercedes driver “to prevent further danger.” Border guards eventually arrested him in Switzerland. He was taken to a psychiatric hospital.
Users discuss video
The video has sparked mixed reactions on social media : Some consider the amount of pepper spray used excessive and inappropriate. Others praise the police. And still others mock the incident (“The pepper spray was expired”).
The police clarify: “When viewing such videos of operations on social media, it is crucial to know the context. Individual excerpts only show partial aspects of the event and can quickly convey a distorted overall picture.”
Police officer “not seriously injured”
The police officer is reportedly doing well and was “not seriously injured,” a spokeswoman told BILD. The investigation against the driver is ongoing on suspicion of dangerous interference with road traffic, illegal street racing, and assault on police officers.
