Unsuccessful storehold-up at a bargain retailer - eyewitness accounts requested

In an unsettling incident, a discount store located on Scheideweg Street in Gelsenkirchen was targeted by three masked individuals on the evening of Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The attempted robbery occurred just before closing time, around 20:55.

According to the police reports, two of the suspects entered the store, while a third waited outside. The suspects, aged between 17 and 25 years old, were dressed in various attire. One suspect was wearing a red jacket and jeans, while the others were clad in dark or black clothing.

During the attempted robbery, the suspects threatened employees with a knife and an electroshocker. A 54-year-old employee from Dorsten was struck by the suspect wielding the knife. The other employees, including a 30-year-old from Bottrop, were also threatened with an electroshocker.

The branch manager, a 28-year-old from Gladbeck, bravely intervened, causing the suspects to flee the scene without any loot. An ambulance was promptly called to provide medical care for the injured 54-year-old employee.

Two suspects were seen fleeing towards a nearby park, while the third suspect fled on an e-scooter towards Gladbeck. The identities of the suspects remain unknown at this time.

Witnesses with information about the suspects are urged to contact the Criminal Investigation Unit 15 at 0209 365 7512 or the Criminal Watch at 0209 365 8240. For journalistic inquiries, Gelsenkirchen Police can be contacted via Stephan Knipp at +49 (0) 209 365-2015, email [email protected], or visit Gelsenkirchen Police for more information.

It is unclear at this time who the head of the police directorate in Gelsenkirchen is, and they have not been identified as a contact for witnesses in relation to this incident. The police are currently investigating the matter and ask for the public's help in identifying the suspects.