Bulgarian Policeman Breaks Down, Crashes Car, Takes Hostage

A Bulgarian police officer crashed his private car and took a hostage in a random turn of events apparently caused by a mental breakdown.

No one was hurt during the incident, inform the Vratsa unit of the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior.

The 37-year-old policeman working in north-western Bulgarian town of Oryahovo was driving his private car in the nearby town of Mizya, when he crashed the vehicle into a concrete pole.

No reason has been given for the car crash, but after which the police officer simply abandoned the vehicle and started walking on the road.

After catching up with a woman, he took her for hostage without making demands, but threatening her with his service weapon.

When police officers and a psychologist on duty arrived, their apparently distraught colleague stated he wants to converse with his parents, to whom he promised to deliver his weapon.

After a short conversation with the team, he nevertheless handed down his handgun and released the woman right away.

An investigation has been launched to determine the precise reasons for the officer's erratic behavior.

According to initial information, after the crash the man exhibited signs of a strong nervous breakdown.