Handcuffed suspect escapes police custody after altercation at Berlin club Tresor
Industry BriefPublished: 2025-12-12 By: Michael Lawson
Berlin police mounted a large search after a 36-year-old man, handcuffed and in custody, escaped outside the storied techno club Tresor. The incident followed a violent confrontation that began inside the venue and escalated at its entrance.
Key details
- Incident began inside Tresor in the early hours of Thursday, December 4th
- Ejected man allegedly returned with a stick, then later with an iron bar around 10 AM
- He is also accused of attempting to start a fire at the club’s entrance
- Police handcuffed the suspect and placed paper bags over his hands before he fled a patrol car
- Helicopter and multiple units searched until around 3 PM without success
- Two young women were treated for shock; a crisis counsellor was requested
Timeline: from ejection to alleged arson attempt
According to B.Z., the disturbance began inside Tresor in the early hours of Thursday, December 4th, when a 36-year-old man was removed from the club by security. The situation escalated as the man reportedly returned shortly thereafter armed with a stick, confronting staff outside the venue.
The same individual allegedly came back again shortly after 10 AM, this time carrying an iron bar. In the course of these altercations, he also allegedly attempted to ignite a fire at the club’s entrance. Security subdued and restrained him until police arrived at the scene.
Custody procedures and escape under investigation
Police arrested the man, placed handcuffs on him and covered his hands with paper bags to preserve potential evidence, B.Z. reported. After being put into a patrol car, the suspect escaped custody under circumstances that are now the subject of an internal police investigation.
Authorities have not released additional details on how the escape occurred. A representative for Tresor declined to comment.
Large-scale search and immediate aftermath
In response to the escape, Berlin police initiated a wide-ranging search effort that included multiple units and a helicopter. Despite several hours of activity, the operation was called off around 3 PM without locating the suspect.
Two young women at the scene received treatment for shock, and a crisis counsellor was requested. Police said that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
