Munich, January 22 – What should have been a simple errand turned into a legal nightmare for a 66-year-old Munich resident who was arrested for drunk driving upon arriving at a police station to retrieve his apartment keys. Officers immediately noticed the smell of alcohol, leading to a positive breathalyzer test and the confiscation of his driver’s license.
Open Apartment Door Led to Police Intervention
The sequence of events began on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, around 5:40 PM, in the Milbertshofen-Am Hart district of Munich. Police were alerted by an attentive witness who reported an open apartment door in a multi-party building. Responding officers found no one inside and no signs of a crime or forced entry. However, the apartment door could not be properly secured despite the lock being engaged.
To resolve the issue, the officers called the fire department, which installed a new lock. The keys were then deposited at a nearby police station for the owner to collect.
Ill-Fated Key Collection Nearly Two Weeks Later
Almost two weeks later, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at approximately 3:45 PM, the 66-year-old German apartment owner arrived at the police station to retrieve his keys. He drove a Dacia car onto the police parking lot. It was at this point that officers detected a strong smell of alcohol coming from the man.
A subsequent breathalyzer test confirmed their suspicions, yielding a positive result. Consequently, the police ordered a blood test and seized the man’s driver’s license. He now faces criminal proceedings for driving under the influence.
Munich Traffic Police Lead the Investigation
The Munich Traffic Police have taken over the ongoing investigation into the incident. What was intended to be a straightforward key retrieval is now expected to have significant financial and legal repercussions for the 66-year-old. In addition to losing his driver’s license, he faces criminal charges for drunk driving. Authorities emphasize that many individuals underestimate how long alcohol remains in their system, leading to potentially severe penalties.
This incident highlights the importance of responsible driving and the legal consequences of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
