A nighttime car chase through Vienna triggered a police operation with gunfire on Wednesday. According to the police, a 22-year-old driver evaded a traffic check and fled via the Südosttangente A23 to Floridsdorf.

The man is said to have violated numerous traffic rules. According to police reports, he drove at excessive speed, used the emergency lane at times, and ignored red lights. Even after a police officer fired at a tire of the vehicle from a short distance, the driver continued his escape.

Only in Richard-Neutra-Gasse were the officers able to stop and arrest the man. No one was injured during the operation.

The incident began around 10 PM in the area of Otto-Preminger-Straße in the third district of Vienna. Officers from the Landstraße city police command noticed a car with German license plates after they detected an administrative offense.

The police officers instructed the driver with clearly visible and audible signals to undergo a vehicle and driver check. Initially, the driver followed the instructions. Then he suddenly accelerated and drove off at high speed towards the A23. The officers then took up the chase.

On the Südosttangente, the driver continued his journey towards Stadlau. During the pursuit, the officers from the Landstraße city police command were supported by forces from the Vienna state traffic department.

According to the police, the driver repeatedly pretended to want to leave the highway. He also used the emergency lane for an extended period. Despite repeated use of the siren, he did not reduce his speed.

Finally, the man left the A23 at the Hirschstetten exit and continued on Hirschstettner Straße.

Even off the highway, the dangerous drive continued according to the police. The officers observed further speeding violations. Additionally, the driver is said to have driven on a bike path and ignored red lights.

The speeds reached during this time are not specified in the police report. The Vienna State Police Directorate also did not provide details on the exact duration of the chase.

In the area of Donaufelder Straße, officers from the state traffic department initially managed to stop the vehicle. Subsequently, a 25-year-old passenger got out of the car and attempted to run away.

The police were able to stop him immediately. The 22-year-old driver, however, remained in the vehicle. Despite being repeatedly asked by the officers to get out, he did not comply. Instead, he suddenly restarted the engine and continued his escape.

During this renewed escape, a shot was fired according to the police. An officer fired at a tire of the car from a short distance. Despite the shot, the 22-year-old continued driving. He continued his drive at excessive speed over a nearby sidewalk.

The escape finally ended in Vienna-Floridsdorf. In Richard-Neutra-Gasse, the officers were able to stop the 22-year-old Austrian citizen. During the subsequent check, it was found that the man did not have a valid driving license.

According to the announcement, he explained to the police officers that this was precisely the reason for his escape.

The ownership of the car could not be clearly clarified on site either, as the driver could not provide the necessary proof.

The man was provisionally arrested after being stopped. Further investigations are being conducted by the Vienna State Criminal Police Office, North Branch.

The specific criminal charges against the 22-year-old and whether the public prosecutor’s office has already ordered further measures are not clear from the announcement.

There is also no further information on the status of the 25-year-old passenger. Despite the chase, numerous traffic violations, and the shooting, no one was injured according to the police.

(Ed.)

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