Poker's Dark Side: Unmasking Criminals & Scandals

Chaos erupts during Südosthessen's Carnival weekend as police crack down

From stolen smartwatches to drunken brawls, Carnival celebrations turned chaotic. Officers faced a surge of incidents—including weapons violations and public indecency.

, and Administrator

2026 February 16 . 7:17 PM

1 min read

The image shows a group of police officers standing in front of a goodwill store, wearing helmets... — The image shows a group of police officers standing in front of a goodwill store, wearing helmets and holding guns. The store has glass walls and a name board, and there are light poles and traffic signals with poles in the foreground. In the background, there are trees and a clear sky.

Chaos erupts during Südosthessen's Carnival weekend as police crack down

Police in Südosthessen dealt with a series of incidents during the Carnival weekend of February 14-15, 2026. Officers from at least three stations—Offenbach, Schlüchtern, and Bad Orb—carried out increased checks, focusing on alcohol and drug use. Several arrests and reports were made across the region.

In Bruchköbel-Niederissigheim, a 23-year-old man was detained after allegedly stealing a Smartwatch. Separately, four young men in the same area became involved in a physical fight, leading to criminal complaints against all involved.

At the Hanau Carnival parade, participants reported being hit by plastic bottles and glass stones. Meanwhile, in Offenbach, two drivers were stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.

A 20-year-old man in Gelnhausen faced charges for public indecency and insulting officers. In Bad Orb, a 57-year-old motorist was caught driving without a valid licence. Schlüchtern police also reported a 28-year-old driver operating a vehicle without a licence while under the influence of intoxicants.

Elsewhere, a 17-year-old in Götzenhain was accused of insulting a public order official, resulting in a criminal complaint. In Bieber, one individual was found carrying a replica firearm, prompting an investigation into potential weapons law violations.

The Carnival weekend saw heightened police activity across Südosthessen. Multiple incidents led to arrests, criminal complaints, and investigations. Authorities confirmed that checks on alcohol, drugs, and public safety would remain a priority.