Essen inmate Dijvar Gündüz escapes during medical appointment

A manhunt is underway in Essen, Germany, following the violent escape of 34-year-old inmate Dijvar Gündüz. Gündüz, who was serving sentences for drug trafficking and assault, was freed by two masked, armed accomplices during a scheduled medical appointment at a radiology practice.

Investigators believe the assailants may have brought their own keys to unlock the inmate’s restraints, as the two prison guards were still in possession of the official keys at the time of the attack. The guards were overpowered and tied to a handrail but managed to free themselves and alert authorities. One guard reportedly attempted to fire his service weapon, but the firearm failed to discharge immediately because it was not loaded in the chamber.

North Rhine-Westphalia Justice Minister Benjamin Limbach has called for a review of security protocols following the incident. Questions have been raised regarding how the attackers learned of the specific appointment, as the inmate had only been informed of the medical visit the previous evening. The police have warned the public that the escapees may be armed.