Militant smoker took hostages in bank for a packet of cigarettes
The desperate smoker made a run on a bank in the centre of Vienna, but his desire was not money.
The 39-year-old Viennese took customers and employees of the BAWAG bank as hostages with a toy gun for almost five hours, and demanded a packet of cigarettes.
The committer was known by the police for his violence and burglary delicts. He also had financial problems. His psychical condition is still under examination.
The taking of hostages ended bloodless after five hours. When the hostage-taker received his pack of cigarettes he delivered himself to the police and was arrested.
15 policemen and 60 officials of special police forces were prepared for the worst case. Which brand of cigarettes was demanded is not known.