Hardware Store Employee Assaulted with Pepper Spray During Robbery Incident
Suspect Arrested After Series of Hardware Store Attacks in Erlangen and Fürth
A 20-year-old man named Daniel S. has been taken into custody following a series of incidents at hardware stores in the cities of Erlangen and Fürth.
The saga began on August 22, 2025, when Daniel S. was caught on CCTV stealing an unpaid item from a hardware store on Fürth's Fritz-Gastreich-Straße. During the theft, he also sprayed pepper spray on a 75-year-old employee, causing panic and allowing him to escape.
Later that day, Daniel S. reappeared at a hardware store in Erlangen's Neumühle, where he again stole items and used pepper spray in the sanitary department, leading to a physical struggle with an employee. However, initial search efforts for the suspect were unsuccessful.
The following Saturday, Daniel S. was observed on CCTV committing another theft at the same Erlangen store, but no one was able to apprehend him. Later, with the help of other customers and staff, he was eventually subdued.
During the struggle at the Erlangen store, it was discovered that Daniel S. had more stolen items from previous incidents in his vehicle.
The public prosecutor's office has since filed a detention order for Daniel S., citing his violent behaviour and repeated offences. Police are continuing their investigation into the incidents in the Fürth and Erlangen area.
Officers are urging anyone with information about these incidents or any other potential crimes committed by Daniel S. to come forward. The safety and wellbeing of employees and customers at hardware stores in the area remains a top priority for local law enforcement.
