Coup during army exercise

Assault rifles stolen: Police catch suspect

(Bild: Bundesheer/Martin Eiper)

Excitement about a month ago at the large-scale army exercise in Carinthia: Previously unknown perpetrators broke into a truck parked in Althofen and stole two assault rifles from it, among other things. At least one of the weapons has now been seized from a suspect.

After almost four weeks of meticulous and intensive investigative work, officers from the Althofen police station have now succeeded in tracking down the suspected burglar or thief. The suspect is a 35-year-old man from the district of St. Veit an der Glan, who finally "buckled" during the interrogation - and made a confession.

The suspect admits to breaking into the army truck parked at the Kulturhaus in the middle of the night during the large-scale exercise "Schutzschild 24" and stealing an assault rifle from it. As well as several magazines and a surplus jacket. These items were also recovered at the 35-year-old's home address.

No trace of 2nd weapon
Curious, however: as reported, a total of two StG 77s, a signal pistol and a combat knife were stolen from the army vehicle that evening. However, the suspect denies everything in this regard. Especially as these items of loot could not be found on him. The police are still investigating this matter. In any case, the 35-year-old has been released.