Police: Austria Driver who Ran Over Pedestrians has Domestic Violence Past
GRAZ, Austria, June 21 (UPI) — The man accused of running over and stabbing pedestrians in Austria’s second-largest city this weekend — killing three — has a history of domestic violence whose wife had just left him, authorities said Sunday.
Investigators said Alen Rizvanović, 26, randomly and intentionally plowed into pedestrians Saturday in the city of Graz — where he reportedly works as a driver. He hit several people and at one point emerged from his vehicle and began inexplicably stabbing some.
Three people were killed in the chaos, officials said, including a young boy, a newlywed and a cyclist. Three dozen people were injured in the carnage — three of whom remain in critical condition, Britain’s Telegraph reported Sunday.
Investigators say Rizvanović, who is of Bosnian heritage, is married with two children — but on the brink of divorce. Police said they have previously responded to the couple’s home on multiple occasions following reports of domestic violence.
Authorities said Rizvanović was kicked out of his family’s home last month, and his wife and children have reportedly left Austria.
Officials said it is possible the suspect suffers from mental illness involving violent psychosis, which can lead to bouts of violence, the Telegraph report said.
Police also said they don’t consider Saturday’s attack to be terror-related, as they believe it was triggered by family and psychological problems.
In addition to hitting several pedestrians with his vehicle, Rizvanović allegedly stabbed two people during the rampage, as well — before finally driving to the police station where he was apprehended.
