Seven individuals were placed in preventive detention for 30 days by the Dej Court following a violent attack on a medical crew in the commune of Recea-Cristur, Cluj County. The suspects—Laura Covaci, Dragomir Lăcătuș, Adinor Crăciun Covaci, Dacian Lăcătuș, Sibian Covaci, Sabin Lăcătuș, and Marius Lăcătuș—targeted the ambulance based on false rumors spread on TikTok regarding a "black ambulance" kidnapping children.
Legal Status and Charges
According to the Dej Court ruling, the seven defendants are detained from August 10 to September 8, 2026. The charges vary among the group. Laura Covaci is the only individual charged with both "disturbing public order and peace" and "assault and other acts of violence." Prosecutors allege she threw the stone that shattered the windshield and injured the driver, who subsequently required treatment at an ophthalmology clinic in Cluj-Napoca.
The remaining six men—Dragomir Lăcătuș, Adinor Crăciun Covaci, Dacian Lăcătuș, Sibian Covaci, Sabin Lăcătuș, and Marius Lăcătuș—face charges of disturbing public order and peace. The court applied an aggravating circumstance to these defendants, citing that the act was committed by three or more people acting together, as reported by stiridecluj.ro.
How the Incident Unfolded
The attack occurred on the evening of August 8, 2026, around 22:25. The medical crew was in the middle of an emergency mission, having already retrieved a patient from Recea-Cristur and heading toward the hospital.
Earlier that evening, the crew had stopped to verify an address, an action that triggered suspicion among locals who had been exposed to viral misinformation. According to reports, the crew was later intercepted by two cars that blocked their path. The aggressors used axes, sticks, and stones to damage the vehicle. The Department for Emergency Situations (DSU) condemned the incident, noting that the crew was in active operation when targeted.
The Role of Social Media Misinformation
Authorities have highlighted the severe impact of unverified content on public safety. The attack was fueled by a viral video that featured an ambulance marked with 112 emergency branding, accompanied by voiceover claims that it was involved in child abduction.
Raed Arafat, head of the DSU, stated that the danger of such viral content had been previously flagged to regulatory bodies like ANCOM and the National Audiovisual Council (CNA). Despite these reports, such materials often remain online, potentially inciting real-world violence. Minister of Health Cseke Attila called for maximum firmness from authorities, emphasizing that the health system requires public trust rather than aggression driven by "irresponsible speculations."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the ambulance targeted?
The attackers believed a false conspiracy theory circulating on TikTok, which claimed a "black ambulance" was operating in the area to kidnap children.
What injuries were reported?
The ambulance driver was injured by glass shards after a stone shattered the windshield. He received medical care at an ophthalmology clinic in Cluj-Napoca.
What are the legal consequences for the suspects?
A judge denied requests for house arrest or judicial control, ordering 30 days of preventive detention for all seven suspects.
Are the defendants facing the same charges?
No. While all seven are charged with disturbing public order, only Laura Covaci is charged with physical assault, as investigators believe she was responsible for the projectile that injured the driver.
Have you encountered misinformation on social media that seemed to incite real-world harm? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on local public safety developments.
Worth a look