Briefly: Overview of the Incident
- Location: Jena, Innenstadt (Supermarket)
- Time: Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026
- Incident: Shoplifting (Value: €0.99), assault, insult
- Consequence: Police custody for sobering up
Jena. A supposed petty offense led to an extensive police operation and several criminal charges in the center of Jena on Tuesday evening. The trigger was the hunger of a man who decided to consume the goods before reaching the checkout – without the intention of paying.
From a Pastry to a Physical Altercation
As the police reported, an employee of a supermarket in the Innenstadt observed a 42-year-old man taking a pastry stick from the display. Instead of bringing the item, valued at 99 cents, to the checkout, the man consumed the pastry while still in the store and subsequently left the shop without settling the outstanding amount.
However, the situation only escalated outside the market doors. For reasons yet to be clarified, the alleged shoplifter clashed with another, as yet unknown, male person. The dispute culminated in a physical altercation. Before the police arrived, both parties initially left the scene.
Police-Known Offender Taken into Custody
As part of an immediately initiated search, officers were able to locate the 42-year-old in the vicinity of the crime scene. The man is no stranger to the authorities: he is already known to the police. Instead of showing cooperation, he met the emergency services with insults.
Since the man was heavily intoxicated and displayed persistently aggressive behavior, the officers decided to take him into custody to protect public safety and order. He had to sleep off his intoxication in a cell.
Multiple Criminal Proceedings Initiated
After the man was sober again, he was released from police custody. However, the legal consequences remain. The police have initiated investigative proceedings for three offenses: shoplifting, assault (due to the fight in front of the market), and insult to the detriment of the deployed officers. Investigations regarding the second participant in the fight are ongoing.
This case shows once again how quickly alcohol consumption and minor property crimes can lead to a situation that entails significant criminal consequences.
Sources:
Original
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