On Sunday, a 12‑year‑old girl missing from her apartment in Münster was found in Bochum with her deaf mother; police claim a child armed with knives approached officers, leading one to fire a sidearm.
Missing 12‑Year‑Old Reappears in Bochum
Emergency services were alerted after a 12‑year‑old who had disappeared from her Münster apartment, where she lived with other children and caregivers, was reported missing on Sunday, 16 November 2025.
At night, police received information that the girl could be in her deaf mother’s flat in the Hammew area of Bochum.
Responders found the apartment occupied; the mother did not open the door. The child entered the premises after midnight and was subsequently found by police.
Incident Unfolds: Police Encounter Armed Child
During a routine search, officers discovered the girl holding two knives and advancing toward them.
Police officials stated that, to avert a threat, a taser was deployed and another officer discharged a police service gun.
Use of Taser and Sidearm
According to the police, the first responder used a taser on the adolescent, and a second officer fired his service weapon.
The impact of the shots has led to an investigation into the number of discharges.
Critical Condition and Hospitalization
The child was rendered critically injured but stable; first aid was administered en route to the nearest hospital, where she underwent surgery.
Investigation and Legal Context
Police and prosecutors are investigating the circumstances, including how a deaf mother communicated with the girl on site.
The union of police officers (GdP) described the event as “an extremely traumatic incident for everyone involved.”
Under German law, firearms cannot be used against persons below 14 years of age except when life or health is at risk; officers cited that the child’s armed state met that exception.