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Bochum Police Shoot 12-Year-Old During Missing-Child Search, Leaving Her Critically Injured

An independent homicide unit is probing the simultaneous use of a Taser with a firearm.

Overview

  • Police say officers encountered the girl at her mother's apartment during a night search after she was reported missing from a care group.
  • Investigators report the 12-year-old, who is deaf and reliant on vital medication, allegedly advanced toward officers holding two knives.
  • Officers deployed an electroshock device at the same time a service weapon was fired, according to initial official accounts.
  • First responders provided aid at the scene before the girl underwent emergency surgery and intensive care treatment, with life-threatening injuries reported.
  • A homicide commission from Essen and the Bochum prosecutor are leading the case, with key points still under review including shot count and on-site communication with the deaf mother and child.