Basel police sent a specialised firearms squad to arrest a man who hadn’t paid a speeding ticket. He ended up being tasered.
The 58-year-old man was fined CHF 1,500 for driving at 124 kph in an 80 zone in 2020.
He objected to the fine, and refused to pay.
He failed to turn up to the court hearing, which meant it automatically went against him – and he was ordered to pay.
Jump forward two years, he still hadn’t paid and the police had had enough. They called him and told him if he didn’t pay, he would be arrested. He then told them, ‘Bring enough ammunition with you.’
The police took that as a threat and sent a heavily armed team to make the arrest.
The man works as a butcher. When the police did arrive at his shop, he grabbed a large knife. He was tasered.
Now he’s been back in court in Basel. He’s been sentenced to an eight-month suspended prison term, and must pay CHF 20,000 in costs.
All for a speeding ticket.