Manhunt in Vienna

First arrest after stabbing in Meidling

A blank-firing pistol was seized from the suspect in his apartment.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Krone TV)

After the mass brawl and stabbing in Meidling and Brigittenau, the Vienna police have been able to arrest a fugitive suspect. A blank-firing pistol was seized in his apartment. Other suspects are still on the run.

A total of four people aged 15, 18 and 22 were seriously injured and taken to hospital in Meidling on Sunday evening. One of them is said to be in a critical condition with serious head injuries.

Several armed and partially masked men fled the scene shortly afterwards. During questioning, the victims stated that they had been attacked by masked men with hammers, glass bottles, knives and firearms outside the entrance to the station. 

This weapon was seized from the suspect.

(Bild: LPD Wien)

The victims denied that this was another "premeditated" altercation. "But they have not been very talkative in the interrogations so far either," said Haßlinger.

Possible connection
The police assume that there could be a connection between the night-time stabbing in Meidling and the mass brawl in Brigittenau over the last few days. On Saturday, officers were able to arrest a suspect (29) in Donaustadt. According to the police, he is said to have taken several suspects to Anton-Kummerer-Park in a car on Friday evening and fled shortly afterwards. 

Alarm gun seized
In addition, a blank-firing pistol and electronic data carriers were seized during a subsequent house search. He refused to make a statement and was taken to a prison. Further investigations are in full swing in both cases. The Vienna police have also increased the uniformed and civilian presence of police officers at several locations.