The Pakistani suspect arrested following the truck attack in the German capital reportedly had no involvement in the crime. The actual perpetrator was armed and is still at large, a high-ranking security source said.
"We have the wrong man," Die Welt daily cited a Berlin police official as saying.
"And thus a new situation. The actual perpetrator is still at large and armed, and can inflict more damage."
At least 12 persons were killed and 48 others were injured when a truck rammed into a Christmas market full of shoppers and vendors late on Monday, reminiscent of a similar truck attack in Nice, France, which was linked to the IS.
The source said that all police and special forces units in Berlin have been informed and put on high alert.