"Incendiary"

Styria: Manhunt after attempted murder

The 43-year-old (small picture) is said to be driving this Skoda Fabia.(Bild: LPD Stmk, Krone KREATIV)

After a 43-year-old man from Graz attacked an acquaintance with an axe and a knife on Friday evening, the police are now appealing for information from the public about the prime suspect, who has since fled the scene. The victim suffered stab wounds and cuts in the attack. The fugitive, Benjamin Gotthardt, also owns a shotgun, although it is not clear whether he currently has it with him ... The man is now also being searched for in Tyrol and Salzburg. is expanding more and more

A man from Graz (43) attacked and injured a 59-year-old acquaintance with an axe and two knives in the Geidorf district on Friday evening. The man suffered a cut to his neck and face, the police announced on Monday. The suspect fled after the attack and is believed to be driving a dark-colored Skoda Fabia station wagon. The manhunt over the weekend was unsuccessful. The search has now been extended: Tyrol and Salzburg are also searching for the man.

The police consider the fugitive to be extremely dangerous. One motive for the crime is likely to be a severe mental illness. The combination of weapon - a shotgun is registered to him - and illness makes him so dangerous.

Injured to the head and neck
Police officers from the Andritz police station were called to Schönbrunngasse at around 10 pm on Friday. The victim's wife had called the emergency services via the police emergency number. According to initial investigations, the 43-year-old man from Graz attacked his victim with an axe and two knives shortly before 10pm. The 59-year-old suffered stab wounds and cuts to his head and neck as a result. The ambulance transported him to Graz Regional Hospital. He received outpatient treatment there.

The 43-year-old (small picture) is said to be driving this Skoda Fabia.(Bild: LPD Stmk, Krone KREATIV)

Suspect in possession of a shotgun
The officers seized the suspect's alleged weapons at the scene of the crime. Further investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Graz City Police Department confirmed the suspicion that the 43-year-old had deliberately attacked his acquaintance. For the time being, there were no findings regarding the motive. The public prosecutor's office ordered his arrest on suspicion of attempted murder. He could be on the run in his car with the Graz license plate. The man is in possession of a shotgun legally registered to him. However, it is not certain whether he has it with him.

The wanted man is Austrian, 1.80 meters tall, slim and has long hair tied back in a bun. He also has a large and clearly visible bump-like cyst above his right eye. The man was wearing a reflective jacket at the time of the crime.

The police are looking for information on the whereabouts of the fugitive. Please contact the police on the emergency number 133, the Styrian State Criminal Police Office (059133 60 3333) or the police department (Criminal Investigation Department of the City Police Command) on 059133 65 3333.