According to this, the suspects are likely to have driven into the business with a car that had been reported stolen, in order to knock over an ATM in the foyer and break open. The project failed. They then set fire to the car to cover up tracks – the business burned down in the process.
The spokeswoman for the public prosecutor’s office, Nina Bussek, confirmed the latest developments in the headline-making case on Monday afternoon. The suspects were apparently concerned with using a daring and ludicrous method to get the banknotes that they suspected of being in the cash dispenser. One of the two young men, who are now in custody, is likely to have made relevant statements after his arrest. “Based on the information we have, investigations into attempted burglary and arson are now underway,” said Bussek.
More than 100,000 euros in damage
A few hours after the fire, which caused damage on Jedleseer Straße worth several 100,000 euros, a 21-year-old was first arrested and subsequently taken into custody. The man admitted to setting the car on fire. A few days later, a man of the same age was investigated, who is now considered an alleged accomplice. As court spokeswoman Christina Salzborn announced on request, the 21-year-old was also taken into custody at the weekend because of the risk of committing a crime. This should be fully confessed.
According to the spokeswoman for the public prosecutor’s office, there is a third possible person involved in the crime. This was initially displayed at large. Whether and to what extent he is involved in the spectacular act is the subject of ongoing investigations. The prosecution does not currently assume that there are other possible accomplices – based on witness statements, it was originally assumed that there were four occupants in the car that was later burned down. “There are currently no further search measures,” said Bussek.
Stolen car set on fire
The car that was supposed to be used to “crack into” the ATM was reported stolen on September 27. After the project failed, the suspected perpetrators are said to have poured petrol, which they had previously poured into a canister, over him and set it on fire after they had removed the license plates. They are also charged with this from images from a surveillance camera. However, the flames quickly spread to the supermarket.
Source: Nachrichten
