Knife Attack in Bielefeld Student Dormitory: 23-Year-Old Arrested

Investigation on suspicion of attempted murder

The 26-year-old sustained stab wounds to the head and back. "Der 26-Jährige habe durch die Verletzungen so viel Blut verloren, dass er zwischenzeitlich in Lebensgefahr schwebte," the investigators said. After receiving emergency medical care, he was taken to a hospital. Police secured a knife — possibly the weapon used in the crime.

The 23-year-old is being investigated for attempted murder and grievous bodily harm, according to police. He is meanwhile in pre-trial detention by order of a judge. Whether police classify the crime as a homicide and set up a murder investigation unit was initially still open. "Offen ist auch, ob die Polizei die Tat als Tötungsdelik wertet und eine Mordkommisssion einrichten wird."

Open questions about the motive

Police in Bielefeld and the prosecutor's office have taken over the investigation. Nothing is yet known about the motive or background of the crime, the investigating authorities said in agreement. The authorities initially provided no further details on any prior relationships between those involved.

According to police sources, the 26-year-old has apparently overcome the life-threatening situation, given the circumstances. Investigators are now examining how the argument between the two residents came about. The question of whether the attack was deliberate or committed in the heat of the moment is also part of the ongoing investigations.

Bielefeld police secured the crime scene at the dormitory and questioned residents. After the large-scale operation in the evening, the situation in the building returned to normal; the residents were offered support. No further details were initially available on the condition of the slightly injured suspect.