Friedrichshafen has witnessed a spate of troubling police incidents over the New Year period, stirring concerns about public safety and the consequences of reckless behavior. From intoxicated drivers causing accidents to altercations leading to physical altercations, local law enforcement has had its hands full.
On the morning of January 1st, around 2 AM, police were alerted to scenes at Teuringer Straße, where witnesses reported debris strewn across the road alongside knocked over traffic signs. Authorities discovered the source of the mayhem lay with a 44-year-old man allegedly driving under the influence when he crashed his vehicle. Upon his arrival on the scene, the man claimed, somewhat incredulously, to the officers present, "A friend was driving my car, but I don’t know his name," leading them to suspect his veracity. A breathalyzer test revealed he had a blood alcohol content of 1.9, prompting law enforcement to take his license and collect blood samples for toxicology reports.
The damage from his actions was significant—estimated at about 20,000 euros for the car and 1,000 euros for the signage.
Just hours earlier, another shocking incident unfolded nearby, as firefighters responded to a blaze caused by what authorities believe may have originated from misfired fireworks, igniting hedges on Goldbacher Stollen just after midnight. The rapid spread of flames necessitated closing nearby train lines temporarily, highlighting the hazards associated with holiday celebrations gone wrong. Damage was pegged at 1,000 euros.
Similarly, celebrations continued to be marred by drunkenness as another brief drove home the dangers of impaired driving. A 60-year-old drove to a local gas station just before the New Year, with his 41-year-old partner taking over the wheel once the clock struck twelve. A pair of police officers pulled the vehicle over shortly thereafter, where both blew over the legal limit—at 2.0 and just over 1.0, respectively. Besides being charged for driving under the influence, both individuals faced additional legal issues after failing to pay their taxi fare afterward.
Further adding to the burden of local police, officers were summoned to intervene in altercations between individuals, one of which occurred at around 1:15 PM on January 4. A traffic dispute escalated on the Reinachmühle bridge between two men, aged 37 and 47. What began as verbal hostility quickly devolved, resulting in punches being thrown and one man requiring hospitalization for his injuries. Both participants are likely facing criminal charges for assault.
Earlier the same day, police were called to the Bowling Center on Meistershofener Straße due to yet another violent incident. A personal dispute between a 20-year-old woman, her 52-year-old father, and the woman’s friend imploded, resulting in physical altercations among the trio. Thankfully, no significant injuries were reported, but all involved will face repercussions under assault laws.
Meanwhile, it wasn't merely human conflicts causing commotion. Vandalism was also noted, particularly concerning two promotional posters destroyed between Thursday night and Friday morning, with damages stretching to several hundred euros.
Notably, another incident occurred at a hotel on January 4 when police responded to the theft. A man, described by hotel staff as possibly intoxicated, accessed employee-only areas and made off with valuables—including cash and electronic devices. This incident, along with others, highlights the alarming trend of increasing petty crimes associated with alcohol-fueled festivities.
Even beyond theft, the dangers of intoxicated driving are exemplified by the arrest of a 49-year-old driver on January 5 at Meersburg. Officials found him with over 1.2 blood alcohol content, driving without any right to do so—he had neither driver’s license nor legal permission to operate the vehicle. The police did not stop there, extending their inquiries to the vehicle's owner, suspected of allowing the unlawful conduct.
Perhaps starkly exemplifying Friedrichshafen's calls for more accountability, a recurring offender drew attention when he was apprehended during yet another binge of reckless behavior throughout Uhldingen-Mühlhofen. The 35-year-old man repeatedly ignored police orders concerning his behavior—first, by creating chaos within residences, then gaining police interest with subsequent incidents of public disorder. Each time local officials arrived, they had to clear him away before he made another scene. His clumsy attempts at evading authority have finally led to judicial repercussions.
These incidents shed light on the local community's struggles with alcohol-related disturbances, violence, and vandalism, leading to significant law enforcement efforts. Local residents and business owners find themselves increasingly concerned for their safety and security, as various situations force the police to intervene. With the New Year festivities now past, community members are left pondering the long-term impact of such behaviors and the future steps needed to restore peace and order within their beloved town.