Thousands Honor Fallen Officer Maximilian Stoppa in Dresden Memorial

The 32-year-old officer was killed during a pursuit of suspected car thieves, prompting a public memorial attended by colleagues, officials, and family.

Maximilian Stoppa, a 32-year-old police officer and father, was fatally struck by a car driven by a suspected thief on January 7 during a vehicle pursuit in Lauchhammer, Brandenburg.
A public memorial service and procession in Dresden drew over 1,000 police officers, firefighters, and officials, including Germany's Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Saxony's state leaders.
The memorial procession route was adjusted due to the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb near the Carolabrücke; no danger was reported as the bomb lacked a detonator.
Stoppa was remembered for his dedication to public service, including his work in a special cross-border crime unit and his volunteer efforts with the fire department.
The suspect, a 37-year-old man, is in custody on charges of murder, accused of deliberately striking Stoppa as he deployed a device to stop the fleeing vehicle.