Berlin Man Threatens Children with Long Gun, Special Police Unit Storms Apartment

On Saturday evening, a 35‑year‑old man in the Berlin district of Hellersdorf stepped onto his balcony and threatened a group of children playing nearby with a long gun. The children fled and a witness called the police. The police’s Special Einsatzkommando (SEK) responded, entered the apartment and found the suspect, a 47‑year‑old male resident and a 43‑year‑old female resident.

Officers seized a long‑gun with magazine (no ammunition), two prohibited knives and nearly 8,700 illegally smuggled cigarettes. The 35‑year‑old was identified and released after questioning. The 47‑year‑old homeowner was taken into custody for fingerprinting and then also released. Investigations into the illegal weapons and cigarettes are ongoing. No injuries were reported.