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Berlin police detain teen after life ring thrown into Havel River

A night of reckless behavior turned violent when police intervened. Now, one young man is in custody—and authorities warn of the dangers of sabotaging safety equipment.

The image shows two men engaged in a physical altercation, with one man throwing a punch at the...
The image shows two men engaged in a physical altercation, with one man throwing a punch at the other. The paper they are standing on has text written on it, likely describing the scene.

Berlin police detain teen after life ring thrown into Havel River

Police in Berlin’s Wilhelmstadt district are investigating three young men after they allegedly tampered with emergency rescue equipment. The incident began when the trio, aged 18, 20, and 21, were seen throwing a life ring from Schulenburg Bridge into the Havel River. Officers from Police Precinct 23 intervened, leading to a confrontation with the youngest suspect.

Plainclothes officers first spotted the group near Tiefwerderweg. They had reportedly removed a life ring from its designated emergency post on Schulenburg Bridge before tossing it into the water. When approached, the 18-year-old became aggressive, resisting arrest and forcing officers to physically restrain him.

A breathalyzer test later showed his blood alcohol level at around 0.1%. During the struggle, he sustained minor abrasions to his forehead but declined medical treatment. One officer also suffered a knee injury but continued working. The two older suspects, aged 20 and 21, were released at the scene. The 18-year-old, however, remained in custody. Authorities have not released his name, referring to him only by age. Investigators are now examining potential charges, including tampering with rescue equipment, resisting law enforcement, and verbal abuse.

The 18-year-old suspect faces further questioning while in police custody. His alleged actions—damaging safety equipment and resisting officers—could result in formal charges. The two older men have been released, but the investigation remains ongoing.

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