Police arrested 55-year-old Petr Šimon in the Strašnice district of Prague shortly before 2:00 p.m. on June 23, 2026, following a day-long search. Authorities had tracked the man across the Central Bohemian and Hradec Králové regions after he was spotted with a firearm near a vocational school in Čelákovice earlier that morning.
The Search and Arrest
The operation involved approximately 60 police patrols, according to official statements. While police searched for the man and his vehicle throughout the day, the suspect reportedly changed cars multiple times. When officers finally detained Šimon in Prague, they did not find a firearm in his possession, as reported by Czech Television (ČT).
Did You Know? Despite holding a valid firearms license, the suspect did not have a registered weapon, according to information provided by the police to the Czech News Agency (ČTK).
Context of the Incident
The suspect is a teacher with professional ties to the vocational school in Čelákovice. Police officials stated that the man was in a poor psychological state during the incident. Due to his known connections to the town of Nový Bydžov, local authorities there took the precaution of closing public buildings while the search was underway.
What Happens Next
The investigation is currently in its procedural phase. Police have stated they are working to establish the full circumstances of the case and have indicated that further information will be released on Wednesday. The legal process will likely focus on the suspect’s mental state, his access to unregistered firearms, and the specific events that led to his presence at the Čelákovice school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was a weapon recovered during the arrest?
No. According to reports from Czech Television, police did not find a weapon on the suspect when he was apprehended in Strašnice.
What is the suspect’s connection to the school?
The suspect is a teacher who holds professional ties to the vocational school in Čelákovice, where he was first spotted with a firearm.
Why were public buildings closed in Nový Bydžov?
Local authorities closed the buildings as a preventive measure because the suspect had known ties to the area.
How will this event influence security policies at vocational schools in the coming months?
