Bochum, Germany – A 12-year-old deaf girl who was shot by police on Monday is fighting for her life after a single bullet struck her in the stomach, according to investigators examining the case in the western German city of Bochum.
Authorities confirmed that the child was rushed to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and underwent emergency surgery. A police spokesman said her condition on Tuesday remained “critical but stable.” The incident has drawn significant public attention and renewed questions about police handling of vulnerable individuals, especially minors with disabilities.
Circumstances Leading to the Police Response
According to investigators referenced through a report from Yahoo News, the girl had been reported missing earlier in the night by her regular carers. Officers were dispatched to the home of her mother, located in Bochum, to check whether the child had returned there.
When officers arrived in the early hours, they stated they heard movement inside the home but were unable to make contact. Despite repeated attempts, no one opened the door for nearly an hour, police said.
Entry Into the Apartment
Authorities said the girl’s mother, who is also deaf, eventually opened the door and allowed the officers inside. Investigators noted that communication was extremely limited due to the mother’s hearing disability and the tense conditions surrounding the missing child report.
Once inside, the officers began searching the apartment for the girl. According to police, the child unexpectedly approached officers while holding knives in both hands, a moment that rapidly escalated the situation.
Police Use of Force Inside the Home
Officials said that two officers responded simultaneously:
- One officer discharged a Taser, intending to subdue the child without lethal force.
- Another officer fired their service weapon, striking the girl once in the abdomen.
Investigators are now reviewing body-camera footage, police protocols, and the timeline of the officers’ actions to determine whether standard procedures were followed. The weapon discharge is a primary focus of scrutiny due to the child’s age and communication disability.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigations
The shooting has triggered public concern internationally, with disability rights advocates calling for a transparent inquiry. Many have questioned whether officers were adequately trained to handle a situation involving a deaf minor in distress.
Officials have stated that a full internal investigation is underway, and the officer who fired the gun has been placed on standard administrative review pending the outcome.
Broader Concerns About Police Interactions With Disabled Individuals
Incidents involving individuals with disabilities often raise questions about crisis intervention training, de-escalation techniques, and communication barriers. Advocates emphasize the need for specialized response strategies when officers encounter people who cannot hear commands or are unable to understand verbal instructions.
In Germany and other European countries, recent high-profile cases have intensified calls for police departments to expand training on disability awareness and non-lethal response options.
Why These Situations Escalate Quickly
Experts note that individuals who are deaf may fail to respond to shouted commands, which can lead officers to interpret their actions as noncompliance or threats. When combined with a high-stress missing-child response and weapon visibility, situations can escalate within seconds.
The Family and Community Await Answers
The girl’s mother, who is also deaf, remains cooperative but deeply shaken, according to local sources. Investigators are working with specialized interpreters to gather full statements from both the mother and other caregivers involved.
Officials say further updates on the child’s condition and findings from the investigation will be released as more information becomes available.
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