A 32-year-old police officer from Saxony was tragically killed during a traffic stop operation in Lauchhammer, Brandenburg, on Tuesday morning, January 7, 2025. The officer was attempting to stop what was suspected to be a stolen vehicle when he was struck by the vehicle, resulting in life-threatening injuries.
According to the police, the incident occurred as part of cross-border operations targeting car thefts. Police President Oliver Stepien of Brandenburg expressed deep condolences, stating, "At this difficult time, our thoughts are with the family of our colleague. The entire police force of Brandenburg shares in the tragedy and mourns alongside our colleagues from Saxony. We are closely coordinating with the appropriate authorities and will do everything within our power to thoroughly clarify the circumstances of this terrible incident. It is hard to bear the fact a young person has lost their life serving to keep our country safe."
Despite immediate medical assistance and the swift deployment of a rescue helicopter, the officer succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser remarked on the distressing news, stating, "This tragic loss starkly reminds us how dangerous police work can be. My deepest sympathies go to the officer's family and colleagues." Brandenburg's Minister President, Dietmar Woidke, shared similar sentiments: "The news from Lauchhammer has shocked me. We mourn for a young police officer and father who was killed in the line of duty. My heartfelt condolences are with the family of the deceased."
Witnesses confirmed the officer was on foot when he attempted to stop the suspicious vehicle. Following the incident, three suspects were temporarily detained, but their identities remain under verification. Investigators are working to ascertain the exact nature of the encounter, including whether the driver accelerated during the traffic check.
"The loss of our colleague is a blow to the entire police force of Saxony," said Lutz Rodig, Police President of the Dresden Police Department. "His commitment, responsibility, and collegiality will not be forgotten. We will do everything possible to support the bereaved during this difficult time." He also noted, "The entire Dresden police force is united in deep mourning."
The police had been conducting searches for car thieves at the time of the incident. Officers expressed their concerns about the rising dangers they face during seemingly routine operations. Oliver Stepien emphasized, "This incident once again shows how quickly what appears to be an everyday situation can escalate to life-threatening seriousness and how dangerous our profession can be. Our thoughts are with the family of our fallen colleague; we mourn together with our peers from Saxony."
To honor the deceased officer, all police vehicles within Brandenburg will display mourning ribbons until the day of his funeral. The police department announced it would also lower flags to half-mast across all facilities on January 8.
Interior Minister Katrin Lange expressed her sorrow, saying, "It is horrific news. My thoughts are with the deceased's family and his colleagues. They are not alone in their pain at this incomprehensible event."
The investigation continues, with experts from the Dekra agency called to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the officer's fatal encounter. The police authorities are committed to resolving the situation as quickly and thoroughly as possible.