Four people were injured Thursday afternoon in Au, St. Gallen. The injuries, described as partially severe, were sustained by three women and one man. Police have taken a 51-year-old Serbian man into custody, though his role in the incident remains unclear.
Details of the Incident
Shortly after 2:00 PM on Thursday, a resident of Gässeliweg reported to police that their neighbor had been attacked and injured. The first police patrol on the scene discovered three additional individuals with partially severe injuries at the 73-year-old man’s residence. These individuals were identified as three women, aged 57, 65 and 87.
The 65-year-old and 87-year-old women were airlifted to hospital by Rega and the Alpine Air Ambulance. The 57-year-old woman and the 73-year-old man were transported to hospital by ambulance. The 73-year-old man and the 57-year-old woman are residents of the multi-family home, while the 65-year-old and 87-year-old women were visiting.
Arrest and Investigation
Following a localized search, police apprehended a 51-year-old Serbian man with no fixed address in Switzerland in the Giessenstrasse area of Au. According to the St. Gallen Canton Police, “In the course of investigations, strong suspicion arose that he is connected to the violent act.”
Neighbor’s Attempt to Help
Reports from Tele Züri indicate the Serbian man entered a multi-family home and encountered a 73-year-old man and two women, aged 65 and 87. The fourth injured person, a 57-year-old woman, is believed to be a neighbor.
After hearing screams, the 57-year-old woman went to investigate and was reportedly struck and beaten by the 51-year-old man, sustaining cuts in the process.
The role of the 51-year-old Serbian man remains the subject of ongoing investigation. Authorities are also working to determine the background of the incident, the motive, and whether any other individuals were involved. Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details regarding the extent of the injuries are being released at this time, but authorities have confirmed that no firearms were involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is known about the suspect?
The suspect is a 51-year-old Serbian man without a fixed address in Switzerland. Police state that a strong suspicion has arisen that he is connected to the violent act.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at a residence on Gässeliweg in Au, St. Gallen. A neighbor was also injured in a nearby apartment.
What is the current status of the injured individuals?
The 65-year-old and 87-year-old women were airlifted to hospital, while the 57-year-old woman and the 73-year-old man were transported by ambulance. No further details regarding their conditions have been released.
As the investigation continues, further details regarding the circumstances surrounding this incident will emerge. It remains to be seen what charges, if any, will be filed against the suspect, and what motivated this act of violence.
