Knife attack in care home in Olfen: one dead, two injured
An 86-year-old woman died in a knife attack at the St. Vitus-Stift care home in the German town of Olfen, with two other elderly residents seriously injured. A 72-year-old resident of the same facility has been taken into custody as the suspected attacker.
Knife attack in care home: 86-year-old woman killed, two others hospitalised
A knife attack occurred at the St. Vitus-Stift care home in the German town of Olfen on Friday evening, resulting in the death of an 86-year-old woman. Two other residents of the facility — aged 81 and 83 — sustained serious injuries. According to Nový Čas, citing news agency DPA, police confirmed the attack on Saturday.
A man attacked the women with a knife directly in the facility's dining room. The 86-year-old woman died at the scene. According to police, the attacker also lunged at other residents. Emergency services and police arrived at the scene, with two rescue helicopters landing in front of the building. The 83-year-old injured woman was initially in a critical condition, but authorities reported that her condition had stabilised by Saturday.
Police detained a 72-year-old suspect who also lived in the facility. He did not resist arrest. The prosecutor's office announced on Saturday evening that an arrest warrant had been issued — the man faces charges of homicide, attempted homicide and causing serious bodily harm. He is expected to be placed in a secure hospital facility.
Newspaper Bild reported that the man allegedly told police that he felt victimised by other residents and wanted revenge. According to media reports, the attacker, who allegedly used a wheelchair, moved back to his room after the attack. However, the motive for the attack and the specific relationship between the suspect and the attacked women have not yet been officially confirmed. Police have established an investigation team to handle the case.
St. Vitus-Stift is a facility operated by the town of Olfen. It houses 77 elderly residents in need of care services. The complex also includes supported living with 36 accessible apartments and a group facility for elderly residents with dementia.
Source: Nový Čas