Syrian man's violent railway standoff at Gießen station sparks police probe
A routine ticket check at Gießen Central Station escalated on February 9 when a 21-year-old Syrian man fled onto the railway tracks. Police intervened after he ignored commands and became aggressive, leading to his eventual removal and arrest. Authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident.
The confrontation began at 4:55 p.m., when federal police officers approached the man for a standard ticket inspection. Instead of cooperating, he ran onto the tracks and began picking up pieces of ballast, threatening to throw them at the officers. Despite repeated verbal warnings, he refused to comply and behaved violently.
Officers attempted to pull him from the tracks but were forced to retreat because of his resistance and the incomplete track blockade. To subdue him, one officer deployed pepper spray. The chemical irritant allowed police to detain the man, though it caused mild eye irritation for him and several officers. A female officer also suffered a minor knee injury during the struggle.
After his arrest, the man was taken to a police station before being transferred to a psychiatric clinic. Contrary to claims circulating on social media, no knife was found in his possession, and no Taser was used. The Federal Police Inspectorate in Kassel has since opened an investigation and initiated criminal proceedings.
The incident has prompted an official review, with investigators examining the circumstances of the arrest. The man remains in psychiatric care, while the injured officer receives treatment for her knee. The case adds to ongoing discussions about police use of force in Germany.
