Vienna, Austria – May 10, 2026
Police in Vienna-Leopoldstadt used warning shots to stop two underage burglars, aged 13 and 15, during an attempted break-in early Saturday morning.
Apprehension After Warning Shots
The suspects, who did not stop despite police commands, were halted after officers fired shots into soft ground, according to police spokesperson Julia Schick. "After the suspects did not stop despite calls, the officers fired 'into soft ground,'" Schick explained on Sunday.
The 15-year-old, identified as an Afghan national, and the 13-year-old, whose citizenship remains unclear, were eventually detained. The younger suspect, who is below the age of criminal responsibility in Austria, was handed over to his legal guardians.
Confession of Additional Crimes
During interrogation, the 15-year-old admitted responsibility for three other burglaries in recent days. Authorities linked him to the additional break-ins, which he reportedly confessed to without coercion.