Teenager vandalizes Zollverein-Nord train station – even next to his mother he continued to insult the police officers.
A 17-year-old sparked hours of chaos at the Bahnhof Essen Zollverein-Nord (Essen Zollverein North railway station) after vandalizing the station, threatening police officers and carrying a prohibited knife.
According to Germany's Bundespolizei (Federal Police), the teenager smashed the glass panels of a waiting shelter using stones taken from the railway tracks. The incident caused significant damage and prompted officers to respond to the station during the night.
When police attempted to identify him, the teenager repeatedly refused to provide his name. Officers said he became aggressive, verbally abused them and made threats during the encounter. A search later uncovered a Springmesser (switchblade knife) concealed in his waistband, which was immediately confiscated.
The situation escalated further when the teenager allegedly started a small fire in a rubbish bin, believed to have been caused by a lit cigarette. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames before the fire could spread or cause additional damage.
After repeated requests, the 17-year-old finally revealed his identity. Police escorted him to his mother's home, but authorities said he continued insulting officers even in her presence.
German police have launched several criminal investigations against the teenager, including charges related to property damage, making threats, insulting police officers and violating Germany's Waffengesetz (Weapons Act). The investigation into the incident is ongoing.