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Suspected arsonist arrested in Wermelskirchen – 10 injured!
In Wermelskirchen, a 34-year-old was arrested for three counts of arson and attempted murder. Investigations are ongoing.
Suspected arsonist arrested in Wermelskirchen – 10 injured!
On the night of June 7, 2025, a serious incident occurred in Wermelskirchen: three apartment buildings were set on fire. On June 16, 2025, the Cologne police and public prosecutor's office arrested a 34-year-old man as the suspected perpetrator. He is suspected of being responsible for the devastating fires, which caused drama for 40 evacuated residents and ten people, some seriously injured.
The suspect was arrested on Sunday morning, June 15, 2025, in Wermelskirchen after the Cologne Police Department conducted intensive investigations. During the search of his apartment, evidence was seized that now needs to be examined in more detail. According to WDR, an arrest warrant was issued against the man on strong suspicion of attempted murder and particularly serious arson.
The dramatic course of the fires
The fires broke out in three different locations downtown, making for a chaotic night. What was particularly dramatic was that in two cases the fires broke out in the basement and once in the attic of the buildings, so that the dense clouds of smoke made it impossible to escape via the stairwells. Firefighters had to rescue the 40 residents using turntable ladders. Fortunately, the number of people injured is relatively small, but there is great excitement in the affected community.
The whole thing took place in a neighborhood where many people with a migrant background live, which makes the event all the more tragic. Together with the commission to investigate these crimes, investigators are now looking for three other people who met the 34-year-old on the night of the crime. Police are appealing for information, particularly from a walker with a shoulder bag and two smartly dressed people who may have important information. Information can be given by calling 0221 229-0 or by email to poststelle.koeln@polizei.nrw.de.
Current situation and review of arson in Germany
The suspect has not yet commented on the allegations and is represented by a public defender. The investigation into the exact motive is still ongoing - so far there are no signs of a political motive. This fits in with observations from recent years, which show that the number of arson cases recorded by the police in Germany showed a worrying trend from 2014 to 2024. These data receipts were most recently published by the Federal Criminal Police Office and can be viewed on Statista.
The community in Wermelskirchen is in shock. The dangerous night that began on June 7th not only caused material damage, but also had an emotional impact on the residents. Solving the crime is now a top priority in order to bring security and stability back to the affected neighborhood.