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Forensic Clinic Escapee Captured in Velbert After Weeklong Search

His capture on a Velbert park bench highlights challenges in securing offenders under court-ordered psychiatric detention

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Overview

  • The 38-year-old slipped away from the Rheinische Landeskliniken facility in Cologne’s Porz district during a supervised walk on June 17
  • Kölner Polizei mobilized helicopters and released photos to the public as part of an intensive manhunt
  • Officers located him at 3:15 p.m. on June 23 at Froweinplatz in Velbert and took him into custody without resistance
  • He was returned to the clinic under the Maßregelvollzug system, which detains offenders with diminished culpability due to mental health issues
  • The escape and recapture have prompted calls to review security protocols in forensic psychiatric institutions to better balance treatment and safety