21-year-old assaults officer, steals pistol and police car in Slovenia
On Friday morning near the Šmartno exit a suspect shot a police officer, fled in a police vehicle and was later arrested near Radovljica.
A dramatic chase unfolded on the Gorenjska motorway near the Šmartno exit on Friday morning, when a 21-year-old driver assaulted a police officer, took his service pistol, shot him and then fled in a police vehicle.
Police say the episode began earlier after the young driver caused a traffic accident with only material damage on the Ljubljana ring road and continued driving toward Kranj. Officers stopped the vehicle just before 9 a.m. during a routine check.
During the stop the suspect suddenly attacked the officer conducting the control, grabbed the officer's service pistol and fired at him. The wounded officer received first aid at the scene and was transported to a medical facility; officials stated his life is not in danger. No other persons were injured.
Search and arrest
The suspect drove off in the seized police vehicle toward Gorenjska. Multiple police patrols, a special unit and a police helicopter joined the pursuit. The man was located in the Lesce area and later arrested near Radovljica.
Authorities identified the detainee as a 21-year-old Slovenian citizen. He has been held on suspicion of committing an offence against life and body.
Footage published by a Slovenian portal shows a heavily damaged black Audi that the suspect used earlier while fleeing. In the video the car’s hood is raised and nearly blocks the driver’s view; authorities said the same Audi had caused the earlier traffic accident.
Photo: press material from the event
