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Bochum Police Shoot 12-Year-Old During Search, Girl Critical After Surgery

Prosecutors have opened a case against the shooter; an external homicide unit reviews proportionality, including communication with the deaf family.

Overview

  • The missing girl from a Münster group home, who relies on insulin, was found in her mother’s Bochum apartment after 1:30 a.m., according to investigators.
  • Police say the child approached officers holding two knives; one officer deployed a Taser while another fired, and prosecutors report a single shot struck her in the abdomen.
  • Doctors performed emergency surgery and described her condition as critical but stable, with officers providing first aid before paramedics arrived.
  • Both the child and her mother are deaf, and investigators are examining whether officers were able to communicate effectively inside the apartment.
  • Essen police have taken over the probe for neutrality, a homicide unit is in place, and the officer who fired has been formally advised as a suspect and is exercising his right to remain silent.