Bernese Cantonal Police arrested two individuals on Friday evening following a foot chase and a confrontation near the Reitschule cultural center. The arrests were made after officers attempted to check the identities of two men on Aarbergergasse.
Key Takeaways
- Police stopped two men for identity checks on Aarbergergasse.
- One man fled on foot towards Bollwerk, leading to a pursuit.
- A second man was apprehended inside the Reitschule after another chase.
- Both arrested men were wanted for outstanding warrants and were in Switzerland illegally.
- Police used irritant spray during a confrontation with third parties outside the Reitschule.
Initial Stop and First Escape Attempt
The incident began around 7:30 PM on Friday, February 6, 2026. Cantonal police officers were on a routine patrol along Aarbergergasse in Bern. They approached two individuals to conduct an identity check.
During this process, police determined that the two men lacked proper identification documents. Officers decided to take both men to a police station for further verification. At this point, one of the men suddenly fled on foot.
Incident Timeline
- 7:30 PM: Police initiate identity check on Aarbergergasse.
- Shortly after: One suspect flees, police give chase.
- Near Reitschule: First suspect apprehended after struggle.
- Inside Reitschule: Second suspect pursued and arrested.
- During arrests: Confrontations with third parties, irritant used.
Foot Chase and Arrest Near Reitschule
Officers immediately began pursuing the fleeing individual. Additional police units were called to assist in the search. The chase continued towards Bollwerk.
The pursuit ended near the Reitschule, specifically on the Neubrückstrasse side. The man resisted arrest but was eventually brought to the ground and taken into custody. He was then transported to a police station for further processing.
"The swift response and coordination of our units were crucial in apprehending the first suspect despite his resistance," a police spokesperson stated.
Second Pursuit and Confrontation
As police were handling the initial arrest, two other individuals at the scene fled into the Reitschule building upon seeing the officers. Police units followed them inside.
Meanwhile, more officers arrived to provide support, positioning themselves near the entrance of the Reitschule. Here, they encountered a group of third parties who became confrontational.
The Reitschule
The Reitschule is a well-known cultural center in Bern, often a focal point for various community activities and events. Its location in the city center can sometimes lead to increased foot traffic and public gatherings.
The situation escalated into a physical altercation. Police deployed irritant spray for a short period to manage the crowd and ensure officer safety. This allowed them to continue their operations.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Inside the Reitschule, one of the individuals who had fled was apprehended. He also resisted arrest but was eventually subdued and taken to a police station.
Subsequent investigations revealed significant details about the two arrested men. Both were wanted for several days of outstanding detention warrants, indicating prior legal issues.
Key Findings
- Both arrested men had outstanding warrants for detention.
- They were also found to be illegally present in Switzerland.
- No injuries were reported among police or third parties.
Furthermore, authorities confirmed that both men were in Switzerland illegally. They are currently being held in custody as investigations continue.
Police reported that during the entire operation, both outside and inside the Reitschule, officers were repeatedly harassed and, in some instances, physically assaulted by third parties present at the scene. Despite the confrontations, initial reports indicate no one sustained injuries.
The Bernese Cantonal Police are continuing their inquiries into the full circumstances of the incident and the legal status of the arrested individuals.