61-Year-Old Shot by Police Officer While Fleeing in Upper Austria: Critically Injured

The man, who legally owns a handgun, was stopped in a field after a large-scale search near the Czech border. According to the police, he got out of the car and immediately aimed at an officer, prompting a police officer to shoot him.

Escape in Upper Austria Ends with Gunfire

The 61-year-old had announced to an acquaintance in the evening that he intended to take his own life. He reportedly handled a weapon in front of the woman and then drove away in a car. The acquaintance alerted the police, who initiated a search. The driver was discovered, and several attempts to stop him were unsuccessful. He allegedly also broke through a roadblock.

After he was able to be stopped in a field around 7:45 PM and apparently threatened one of the officers, an officer used his service weapon and hit the 61-year-old. The man was critically injured and, after initial treatment, was flown to a Linz hospital by rescue helicopter. On Friday morning, the police reported that his condition was stable.

The use of a weapon by the police officer, which involved a life-threatening situation, is being investigated as part of a criminal investigation procedure under the direction of the respective public prosecutor's office by the Investigation and Complaint Office for Allegations of Mistreatment of the Ministry of the Interior, informed the Upper Austria State Police Directorate. This office is located in the Federal Office for Corruption Prevention and Combating Corruption.

Support services for people with suicidal thoughts and their relatives are offered by the Suicide Prevention Portal of the Ministry of Health. Contact details of support facilities in Austria can be found at www.suizid-praevention.gv.at.

(APA/Red)

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