Naantali spa shooting: 37-year-old remanded on aggravated assault charge
A 37-year-old man suspected of shooting at a spa hotel in Naantali on Saturday was remanded on Wednesday. The suspect covered his face with a white folder in court.
Naantali shooting suspect remanded – covered face in court
According to Ilta-Sanomat, a 37-year-old man suspected of the shooting in the foyer of a spa hotel in Naantali on Saturday evening was brought before court on Wednesday morning. Police sought his remand in custody.
The man participated in the remand hearing via video link. The court permitted filming at the start of the session, but the suspect covered his face from the cameras with a white folder. Otherwise he sat calmly and still.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the court remanded the man in custody on probable cause of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and aggravated firearm crime. Any charges must be brought by 24 November.
Dispute led to shots in the foyer
The suspect is alleged to have shot another man with a handgun in the foyer of the spa hotel on Saturday evening and fled the scene afterwards. Police apprehended him during the night between Saturday and Sunday in Salo.
According to police, the situation in the foyer occurred rapidly. The men had argued verbally, after which the suspect seized a weapon and fired. There were several shots, but fewer than five.
The victim sustained injuries and was taken to hospital treatment. His condition has since been stable.
Around twenty hotel guests and employees were also put in danger. According to police, the shooter did not, however, attempt to fire at them. According to police's current information, the basis of the act was a dispute between the suspect and the victim – they knew each other beforehand.
Three others released, suspect has criminal history
Police apprehended three other men during the initial investigation, who have since been released. They are suspected of harbouring a criminal following the shooting.
According to IS's information, the man suspected of the shooting has a prior criminal record. He has previously been charged with, among other things, firearm crimes, assault, aggravated tax fraud, aggravated book-keeping offences, and aggravated debtor dishonesty.
Source: Ilta-Sanomat