Search for clues

Shotgun man from Graz spotted in Germany

The wanted man from Graz and his getaway car.

(Bild: LPD Steiermark Krone KREATIV,)

Dangerous shotgun man is still on the run: On Monday, the man from Graz who attacked an acquaintance with an axe and knife was spotted on the German Baltic coast. He is classified as "extremely dangerous" - the police are urgently appealing for information.

Last Friday, the 43-year-old man from Graz attacked an acquaintance with an axe and knife and has been on the run ever since. After a nationwide search for him in Austria, he is now believed to be in the Kiel area on the German Baltic coast. The German police are also on his trail, but he has not yet been arrested.

Manhunt for attempted murder
This is a problem because the suspect is considered "extremely dangerous". He inflicted several stab wounds and cuts to the head and neck of his 59-year-old victim. He also has a shotgun, which he could possibly be carrying. His state of health is also difficult to assess.

Any information requested
The police are therefore still appealing for information. It is unclear whether the 43-year-old is already in a third country. The fugitive, Benjamin Gotthardt, is believed to be driving a Skoda Fabia station wagon with Graz license plates registered to him. He is about 1.80 meters tall, slim, has long grey hair tied back in a bun and has a large bump above his right eye. He was wearing a reflective jacket at the time of the crime.

If you have any information, please contact the police (133) and the Styrian Criminal Police Office on 059-133-60-3333 or the department dealing with the case (Graz Criminal Police Department) on 059-133-65-3333.