German Police Investigate Teenagers After Robot Allegedly Gropes Girl
Authorities are examining whether a robot was remotely controlled during an incident where a 16-year-old girl was allegedly sexually harassed.
German police have launched an investigation into two teenagers suspected of controlling a robot that allegedly groped a 16-year-old girl in Cologne.
The robot, described as red and gold and standing 120 centimeters (3.9 feet) tall, reportedly approached the girl from behind near a fast-food outlet on Saturday night. According to a police statement, the device allegedly grabbed the girl's buttocks and made thrusting motions against her before she moved away and screamed.
Authorities apprehended the robot's 16-year-old owner and a 19-year-old companion a block away shortly after the incident was reported. The robot was found in the back of a car, where the younger teenager had placed it. Police seized the robot, which was depicted in a released photo wearing a black moustache, a gold-colored chain, and a white vest, along with two mobile phones belonging to the suspects.
Investigators are working to determine if the robot's movements were deliberately controlled by someone at the time of the alleged assault. Police stated that the owner and his companion are believed to have streamed the incident live on social media and provided commentary. Authorities cautioned that some social media comments regarding the case could constitute a criminal offense. The investigation is proceeding on suspicion of sexual harassment.