A German soldier was shot by police during a large-scale military exercise that will continue despite the incident, DPA reported, citing a statement from the Bundeswehr, BTA reports.
Police said a resident of the Bavarian town of Erding, northeast of Munich, had reported a suspicious man wearing a camouflage uniform and carrying a firearm yesterday. About ten police officers responded to the call. It later emerged that the gunman was a member of the German armed forces and was at the scene as part of a military exercise.
The soldier who was shot was taken to hospital with minor injuries and has since been discharged.
The Bavarian police said the incident was likely due to a "broken communication". "We were not aware that a military exercise was taking place at this location at the time," a local police spokesman told DPA.
The German armed forces website states that the reasons for the shooting "are currently being investigated by the responsible authorities and the Bundeswehr is cooperating closely".
The German army announced today that the "Marshal Force" exercise is continuing. Around 500 soldiers, together with around 300 civilians, are practicing combat operations behind the front line. What is special about this exercise is that it is not conducted on fenced military ranges, but in public places - on roads, private enterprise grounds, and in populated areas.