Berlin, February 13 – A 16-year-old Ukrainian teenager, Igor, originally from Nikopol in the Dnipropetrovsk region, has been hailed as a hero in Berlin after he successfully apprehended an armed robber. The incident, which took place on February 1, saw Igor chase down and detain an individual who had assaulted a local resident and stolen their watch. Igor, who moved to Germany with his mother and sister following the shelling of his hometown, shared the details of his courageous act with correspondents from Суспільне | Новини.
Teenager’s Quick Thinking Leads to Capture
According to Igor, he was working at a local coffee shop when he heard screams. He observed the robber jumping over a fence and fleeing the scene after pushing a seller into a flower shop’s display window. Without hesitation, Igor left the café, pursued the assailant down a nearby street, and managed to grab and hold him until the police arrived. He also recovered the stolen watch, returning it to its rightful owner.
Igor admitted that at the moment of the arrest, he was unaware the attacker was armed. “At first I wasn’t scared at all, because I thought I was stronger than him, but then, when I saw the knife, I felt a little uneasy,” Igor recounted, highlighting the unexpected danger he faced.
Father’s Pride and Background in Martial Arts
Oleksiy, Igor’s father, who remains in Nikopol, learned about his son’s bravery through German news outlets. He expressed immense pride in Igor’s actions, attributing his son’s calm demeanor in a crisis and his desire to help others to his long-standing involvement in judo and football. Igor has practiced both sports since the age of six.
“He first sent me clippings from German newspapers. And he didn’t say that it was him. I read them, called back immediately. I said: ‘Is that you? Is this really you?’ I think it’s quite a frightening story. An armed robber, who is an adult, strong, taller than him. And what he managed to do. Then perhaps it was just pride in my son that I managed to raise him this way,” Oleksiy stated, reflecting on the challenging situation his son navigated.
A Dream to Serve: Future in Law Enforcement
This incident underscores how young Ukrainians, despite the challenges of displacement and adaptation to a new country, are ready to take responsibility for the safety of others. Igor’s actions align with his childhood dream of helping people, a dream he is actively pursuing. He is currently preparing to enroll in the Berlin Police Academy, aiming to formalize his commitment to public service.
The story of Igor serves as an inspiring example of youth bravery and resilience, showcasing a young immigrant’s success story in a new environment. His heroic act has garnered attention and praise, reinforcing the positive impact individuals can have within their communities.
Source: https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/ukrainian-teen-hero-in-berlin-catches-armed-robber/amp/
