Armed Robbery at Essen Gas Station Spurs Police Hunt for Two Suspects

On December 4, 2025, a violent armed robbery took place at a gas station on Grenoblestraße in the Steele district of Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia. The incident occurred between 7:50 AM and 7:55 AM when two male suspects armed with a pistol and a knife threatened a female employee. They demanded access to the cash register and a safe, forcibly collecting coins and banknotes into a backpack.

During the robbery, one perpetrator pressed the handgun to the employee's temple and fired three shots while the other wielded a knife menacingly. After searching the premises for valuables, the suspects fled on foot, with one firing a fourth shot during their escape. The event was captured by a surveillance camera aiding the ongoing investigation.

The police describe one suspect as having a distinctive birthmark on his shoulder. Both reportedly spoke broken German, raising concerns about their identity and possible origin. Authorities have issued a public appeal for information, urging anyone with clues to contact law enforcement but warning against approaching the suspects, as they may still be armed and dangerous.

This brazen crime has sparked a thorough police response as investigations continue to locate and apprehend the offenders, prioritizing public safety in the Essen region.