October 16

Wilhelm Voight was born in Tilsit, Germany on February 13, 1849. He was first arrested when he was only 14 years old and ironically spent 14 days in prison after being convicted of theft. This set a pattern for the rest of his life. The years 1864 through 1891 saw Voight more or less continuously in prison. He had a brief period of freedom until he was was again sentenced to prison for theft. He would be released on February 12, 1906 after serving this sentence. Thoroughly chastened, Voight managed for a time to give up his felonious lifestyle. Fully rested and ready to get back to work, on October 16, 1906 Voight put together a mismatached military uniform with items from several second hand stores. He had by this time become quite familiar with military and police procedures and attitudes and so it was with great confidence that heappeared unannounced at a military barracks in the town of Kopenick, which is east of Berlin. Walking confidently up to a local army barracks, Voight approached a group of four soldiers and a sargeant who were on their way back to the barracks. Voight ordered the soldiers to get their rifles and follow him. He then ordered a sargeant to get six more soldiers from a firing range and bring them back to him. Once properly assembled, Voight and his newly formed platoon marched to CIty Hall. After ordering the soldiers to stand guard at the entrance and all of the exits, Voight entered the building, placed the Town's Secretary and Mayor under arrest and confisicated 4000 marks. Once back at the entrance, VOight ordered the soldiers to not let anyone enter or leave the building and to remain at their posts for half an hour. Voight then calmly walked to the train station, changed in to civilian clothese, boarded a train and made it safely away from the scene of the crime.