53-year-old scratches police car in Vienna and slightly injures officer

During his transfer to detention, the 53-year-old allegedly unexpectedly kicked a police officer several times and slightly injured him. The officer had to receive medical treatment but remained fit for duty. According to police, there were no other injuries.

Reports and investigations

The 53-year-old was therefore not only reported for property damage to the police vehicle, but additionally on suspicion of attempted resistance against state authority as well as aggravated assault. The competent public prosecutor's office will decide on further proceedings.

The Juchgasse police station is located in Vienna's third district, an inner-city neighborhood with dense residential development and numerous bars. The fact that the incident took place in the middle of the night and directly in front of a police station added weight in the police assessment.

According to police, the patrol car showed distinct scratch marks that were allegedly caused with the knife he was carrying. The vehicle had to be taken out of service and inspected. The amount of property damage was initially unclear.

Property damage to the patrol car

According to police, the arrest proceeded calmly overall, even though the attack on the officer occurred during the transfer to detention. Additional officers were called in to take the man into detention. Investigations into the exact motive are ongoing.

Observers pointed out that incidents involving intoxicated or highly emotional fans around football broadcasts in Vienna repeatedly result in police operations. Just during the night leading into Saturday, there had been an altercation in the vicinity of a sports broadcast in another district.

Context: Operations around football broadcasts

The Vienna Police announced that the incident would be incorporated into its ongoing evaluation regarding operations on match days. It will also be examined whether the 53-year-old had previously come to police attention.