Two men apparently stole a car in Berlin early Sunday to get a collection of recyclable bottles, authorities said.
The two suspects, 41 and 31, said they were under the influence of drugs at the time and also used heroin together. According to police, the two said they noticed the 30-year-old Honda because it contained many returnable bottles. They said their plan was to drive the car to a location where they could redeem the containers and then exit the vehicle.
Like many other countries, Germany has a system where used bottles can be exchanged for cash or vouchers, which can then be used to purchase goods in stores. The amount per container varies between €0.08 and €0.25 (between 9 and 28 US cents). It was not immediately clear how many bottles were in the car.
Investigations into theft, drugs, explosives
The two men managed to start the car, but the plan fell through when their reckless driving drew police attention.
When police tried to stop the car, the driver accelerated. While attempting to flee, her vehicle collided with two parked cars while she was speeding. After the second collision, the men jumped out of the car and ran away, but officers were able to catch them.
Police also found tools, prohibited fireworks and suspected drugs on the men. She is now being investigated for particularly serious theft, an illegal car race, violation of the Explosives and Narcotics Act and two hit-and-runs. The owner of the stolen Honda was then able to pick up his car.
The AFP news agency contributed to this report.
