Threatened with a bomb

Styrian man killed in shootout with police

This was a dangerous operation.(Bild: Jürgen Fuchs)

Large-scale operation for the Styrian police on Tuesday night in Kainbach near Graz: A 46-year-old man barricaded himself in his house and exchanged fire with the officers. The man was fatally injured in the process.

A 46-year-old Styrian man triggered a major police operation late on Monday evening. Relatives had raised the alarm after the man had threatened them and sent worrying pictures of himself with a firearm. A large contingent of police officers arrived with the support of the SIG (rapid intervention group) and the Cobra special unit.

Evidence is now being secured at the scene.(Bild: Jürgen Fuchs)

Officers made several attempts to contact the 46-year-old, who apparently has ties to the drug scene. However, he threatened to blow up the house. He then barricaded himself inside the house with a long gun. Hours of efforts to persuade the man to surrender were unsuccessful. 

Shot by Cobra
When Cobra officers stormed the house, the Styrian opened fire. The police also fired shots – and hit their target. The emergency doctor, who had already been alerted, was on the scene immediately but was unable to save the 46-year-old's life. He died at the scene.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing. In addition, the Interior Ministry's investigative unit has launched an investigation into the police's use of weapons.