Where is Roland Drexler?

Shooter Roland D. probably spotted in Burgenland

Since Monday, the whole of Austria has been searching for the gunman Roland Drexler. On Wednesday, he is said to have been spotted at the military cemetery (picture) in Haschendorf.

(Bild: Christian Schulter)

A major search operation for the gunman Roland Drexler in Burgenland: according to information, the 56-year-old was spotted there on Wednesday morning. The police followed up the leads, specifically in the district of Oberpullendorf. However, the operation ended in the afternoon without any results. A short time later, a hospital in Wels was also raided. 

A large police contingent was on the move in the Oberpullendorf district on Wednesday. This was because the murder suspect, 56-year-old Roland Drexler, was believed to be there. Clues led to Oberpullendorf near a prisoner of war cemetery near Haschendorf.

The Upper Austrian, who allegedly executed two men in cold blood on Monday, including the mayor of Kirchberg ob der Donau, has been the subject of an intensive search ever since.

Since Monday, the whole of Austria has been searching for the gunman Roland Drexler. On Wednesday, he is said to have been spotted at a cemetery in Oberpullendorf.

(Bild: Christian Schulter)

Drexler could have weapons with him
So far, the shooter, who is considered "very dangerous", has not been caught. Since Wednesday morning, the police have been searching for the man in Burgenland. It was finally announced later in the afternoon: The operation was ended without result. 

Hundreds of bodies are searching for the murder suspect. Numerous tips were received by the police.

(Bild: APA/TEAM FOTOKERSCHI.AT/FRANZ PLECHINGER ; LPD OÖ)

Hospital in Wels stormed
Only a short time after a tip-off from Burgenland was received, there was another shock in Upper Austria: Drexler was reportedly seen in the hospital in Wels. Heavily armed emergency services were deployed. However, it soon turned out that this was just a false alarm. 

50 people under personal protection
The police continue to advise people not to make contact with the wanted person themselves and to make an emergency call immediately. The police assume that Drexler may have two long guns and a handgun with him. He is also believed to be driving a silver VW Caddy with the license plate number RO-231EL. 

Over 250 officers have been searching for the shooter for days.

(Bild: Horst Einöder/Flashpictures)

50 people close to the man have now been given personal protection. They have been taken to safe places as they fear problems with the suspect. According to investigators in Upper Austria, countless tips are still coming in, which are being processed by the task force in Linz. 

Life in the community has not been the same since Monday. The residents are mourning the two victims. They hope that Drexler will be caught soon.

(Bild: Loy Robert)

The two victims are Franz Hofer (64), mayor of the municipality of Kirchberg ob der Donau, and Josef Hartl (64), a retired police officer. Both men were hunting companions of Drexler.

If you see Roland Drexler, please note the following steps:

• Avoid contact: Drexler is considered highly dangerous and is armed with several weapons. It is strongly recommended that you do not make direct contact with him.
• Call 911: Inform the police immediately by dialing 911. Give as many details as possible, including his appearance and location.
• Go to safe places: Avoid being in the vicinity of Drexler. Go to a safe place and stay there until the police have clarified the situation.
• Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest information on the manhunt as the police will issue regular updates on the situation.
• Warn neighbors: If possible, let others in your area know about the situation so they can take precautions as well.

It appears that the murders may have been committed in revenge or in retaliation for the hunting-related reports and disputes. However, the exact circumstances and full motive are still the subject of ongoing investigations.