Police arrest man after alleged strangling and threats in Carinthia

Police arrested a 38-year-old man after an alleged strangling attack, threats and a physical fight in the Villach-Land district of Carinthia on Friday evening, ORF reported. A 56-year-old man was injured and taken to Villach State Hospital.

Police received a report of a fight involving several people at about 9.20 p.m. Officers found the 56-year-old man, two women aged 22 and 21, and several neighbours at the scene. According to police, the 38-year-old had first allegedly strangled the 22-year-old woman before becoming involved in a physical confrontation with the 56-year-old. A 15-year-old reportedly intervened and separated the men.

Police also said the 38-year-old had made threats against both women. His alleged possession of a firearm prompted the deployment of additional units, including the Rapid Intervention Group, the EKO Cobra special unit and several available police patrols. The residential property was secured.

Officers eventually found and detained the man in his apartment. A breathalyser test indicated that he was heavily intoxicated, and police said he could not be questioned immediately because of his condition.

Police seized a legally owned firearm, ammunition and weapons-related documents. A provisional weapons ban was imposed on the man, who was taken to the Villach police detention centre. Police also issued two orders banning him from entering and approaching the relevant premises and people.