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Axe-Wielding Man Causes Christmas Chaos in Dortmund Before Police Arrest

A drug-fueled rampage turned a quiet Christmas evening into panic. Now, investigators probe why a man armed with an axe targeted a German city.

This is the man. I think he is inside the vehicle. This looks like a window. I can see the trees...
This is the man. I think he is inside the vehicle. This looks like a window. I can see the trees and grass through the window.

Man attacks cars and shop windows with an axe - Axe-Wielding Man Causes Christmas Chaos in Dortmund Before Police Arrest

A 37-year-old man wielding an axe caused chaos in Dortmund on the evening of December 26. He targeted cars and shop windows before police intervened and arrested him at the scene. Authorities have since launched a criminal investigation into the violent outburst.

The incident unfolded on the second day of Christmas, just after dark. The suspect, a local resident whose name has not been released, swung an axe at parked vehicles and storefronts. During the rampage, he nearly struck a 28-year-old bystander, though no injuries were reported.

Police arrived quickly and deployed a Taser to subdue the man. Officers took him into custody without further resistance. A subsequent drug test revealed methamphetamine in his system. Following his arrest, the suspect was transferred to a psychiatric facility for evaluation. Investigators are now examining the case as attempted grievous bodily harm alongside property damage.

The man remains in custody while the investigation continues. His drug use and mental state will likely form part of the inquiry. Police have confirmed no other individuals were harmed during the attack.

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