Swiss police issue international warrant for chainsaw attacker

An international arrest warrant has been issued for 50-year-old Franz Wrousis, the chainsaw-wielding suspect accused of injuring five people in the Swiss border town of Schaffhausen. Photo courtesy of Schaffhausen Police

July 25 (UPI) — Police in Switzerland said they have issued an international arrest warrant in the manhunt for Franz Wrousis, the chainsaw-wielding suspect accused of injuring five people.

The 50-year-old suspect remains on the run a day after the attack on Monday. Schaffhausen Police on Tuesday said Wrousis is likely still armed with a chainsaw.

Police described Wrousis as a 6-foot-2 loner with an unkempt appearance who mainly lives in forests but who visits populated areas. He was convicted on weapons violations in 2014 and 2016.

Though an international arrest warrant has been issued for Wrousis, officials in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, which borders Switzerland, said there is no evidence to suggest Wrousis has left Swiss territory.

Police said Wrousis attacked an office building for the CSS health insurance company in Schaffhausen, near Switzerland’s northern border with Germany. Wrousis was a customer for the company.

Police said that while Wrousis’ motive is unclear, they believe he targeted the insurance company specifically.

Wrousis’ vehicle was found on Monday but the manhunt continues, Schaffhausen Police said in a statement.

Two people were injured with the chainsaw, but police did not yet reveal how the other victims were hurt. It also wasn’t made clear whether the pair attacked with the chainsaw are the same victims listed in serious condition.

However, police did say the life of the man most seriously injured is no longer threatened.

Police said the incident is not related to terrorism. Schaffhausen, with a population of 36,000, is about 30 miles from Zurich.

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