Attack in Alois-Drasche-Park: Man under the influence of drugs attacks several women and police officer

After the woman rejected the advances, the man became increasingly aggressive. He had struck the 29-year-old and pressed a glowing cigarette butt into her face, as police reported: „schlug sie und drückte ihr einen glühenden Zigarettenstummel ins Gesicht“. In addition, he had bitten the woman on the chin. „Er biss ihr ins Kinn“, the investigators said.

The 29-year-old was able to fend off the attacks to the extent that she did not suffer serious injuries, police further explained. „Die Frau konnte die Attacken soweit abwehren, dass sie keine schweren Verletzungen erlitt. Sie wurde von der Berufsrettung Wien medizinisch versorgt und in ein Spital gebracht.“ The Vienna Professional Rescue Service provided initial medical care; the woman was subsequently taken to a hospital.

Two female helpers also attacked

Two other women who came to the aid of the 29-year-old were also attacked by the man, according to witness statements. „Zwei weitere Frauen, die der 29-Jährigen zur Hilfe eilten, sollen schließlich ebenfalls von dem Mann attackiert worden sein.“ According to this, the suspect is said to have choked one of the helpers. „Eine Frau soll er laut Zeugenaussagen gewürgt“, police reported. He had torn the top of another helper. „einer weiteren das Oberteil zerrissen haben“, the press release continued.

Both helpers stated that the Bulgarian had attempted to either bite or kiss them. „Beide gaben außerdem an, dass der Bulgare versucht habe, sie wahlweise zu beißen oder zu küssen.“ The suspect had displayed uncontrollable behavior and talked incessantly. He was apparently severely impaired by previously consumed drugs. „Der Bulgare legte ein unkontrolliertes Verhalten an den Tag und sprach ohne Unterlass. Er war augenscheinlich stark durch zuvor konsumierte Drogen beeinträchtigt."

Following an emergency call, officers from the Kopernikusgasse inspection as well as the police dog unit deployed. „Nach einem Notruf konnten Beamten der Inspektion Kopernikusgasse sowie der Polizeidiensthundeeinheit den Tatverdächtigen rasch anhalten.“ The emergency services were able to quickly apprehend the 32-year-old, according to the reports.

Escalation upon police arrival

However, the situation escalated when the police arrived. The man suddenly rushed toward the officers, spat at a female dog handler, grabbed her by the forearms, and struck her several times in the head with his forehead. „stürmte der Mann dann auch auf die Polizisten zu, spuckte eine Hundedienstführerin an, packte sie an den Unterarmen und versetzte ihr mit seiner Stirn mehrere Stöße gegen den Kopf." The police officer was injured in the process.

The suspect had violently resisted the official action and kicked out repeatedly, which is why hand and foot restraints had to be applied. „Unter Anwendung von Körperkraft konnte der Mann schließlich verhaftet werden. Er setzte sich bei der Amtshandlung heftig zur Wehr und trat mehrfach um sich, weshalb ihm laut Polizei auch Hand- und Fußfesseln angelegt werden mussten." Cannabis was also seized on the man. „An ihm wurde auch Cannabis sichergestellt."

Arrest and charges

The 32-year-old Bulgarian is in custody. An interrogation has not been possible so far due to his condition, police said. „Er befindet sich in Haft, eine Vernehmung war bisher aufgrund seines Zustands nicht möglich." The investigations are ongoing.

The man was reported, among other things, on suspicion of multiple counts of bodily harm, property damage, and resistance to state authority. „Der 32-jährige Mann wurde unter anderem wegen des Verdachts der mehrfachen Körperverletzung, der Sachbeschädigung und des Widerstands gegen die Staatsgewalt angezeigt."

Vienna police announced that they would continue to investigate the incident and its background. Information from the public was expressly requested, it was said. The investigators are asking witnesses to contact the Kopernikusgasse police inspection.

Reactions and consequences

The case is causing discussion in Vienna about safety in urban parks, particularly in the evening hours. Representatives of the district politics in the fourth district announced that they would place the topic on the agenda at the next district representative meeting.

The Vienna Professional Rescue Service pointed out that individuals who provide assistance in comparable situations should themselves ensure sufficient distance and promptly call the emergency number. Helpers are important, but must not put themselves in danger.

As the authorities emphasized, it remains to be seen what exact background the drug consumption and the suspect's behavior have. Police did not rule out that additional witness statements and investigation results would supplement the picture.

The incident is part of a series of aggressive assaults in public spaces that had caused a stir in Vienna in recent months. According to its own statements, the city plans to expand video surveillance in heavily frequented parks and increase police presence in the evening hours.