The Saarbrücken prosecutor's office has released new details about the fatal shooting of a police officer during a petrol station robbery, revealing that the 18-year-old perpetrator shot his victim at least six times.

An 18-year-old suspect critically injured a young police officer and father during a petrol station robbery in Völklingen, Saarland, fatally shooting him six times after seizing his service weapon, before being shot and arrested by police. The deadly confrontation took place on Thursday, 21 August, when the 18-year-old man attempted to rob a petrol station.

At the time, details were scarce, but in a statement released on Monday, the Saarbrücken public prosecutor's office provided further information.

Six bullets fired at officer

As the robber tried to leave the station, he was stopped by three officers, one of them still in training. According to prosecutors, it appears the man did not threaten the police with the knife he was carrying at the time, but did try to flee.

One of the officers attempted to restrain him, during which the suspect managed to seize the officer’s firearm, they state. How exactly this happened remains under investigation, as several witnesses have yet to be questioned.

Once armed, the suspect fired at two of the officers, one of whom was a young father who later died, the other the trainee officer, prosecutors explained. The public prosecutors added that the trainee was struck only on his protective vest, while the other officer fell to the ground after being hit and was then shot several more times.

The autopsy confirmed he was struck six times in total, in the head and torso, and died from massive blood loss caused by his injuries.

Suspect shot while fleeing

Shortly after the attack, a second patrol arrived and exchanged fire with the suspect. The 18-year-old then tried to escape but was shot twice in the upper body and torso, leaving him critically injured.

Initial reports of his condition were contradictory. A third patrol later arrested him, and he remains in hospital under guard.

It is still unclear whether the suspect was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the shooting, or if he may have underlying psychological issues.

The Saarbrücker Zeitung explains that an expert assessment is expected to clarify this. Authorities must also decide whether he will be tried under juvenile or adult criminal law, reports the Saarbrücker Zeitung.