A neighborhood dispute in Rainbach im Mühlkreis (Freistadt district) required a Cobra operation on Thursday evening. A 59-year-old man apparently fired a small-caliber pistol in the direction of his neighbor as well as a passing moped rider, a spokesperson for the Linz public prosecutor’s office reported. When Cobra officers confronted the suspect at his home, a gunfight broke out. The man sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital.
At around 7:30 p.m., a caller reported to police that his neighbor had threatened him with a weapon and that he had also heard gunshot-like noises. When officers arrived at the residence, they attempted to contact the suspect, but this was unsuccessful. Therefore, “to secure the situation as well as to search the premises,” a tactical intervention was carried out, the Upper Austria police directorate stated.
Exact sequence still under investigation
Inside the house, a gunfight ensued with the 59-year-old, during which the man was hit. How exactly events unfolded and who fired first is still the subject of investigation, according to police. It has been confirmed that the man had no prior criminal record. However, he is reportedly believed to have psychological problems.
The public prosecutor’s office is investigating charges of making criminal threats, attempted resistance, and attempted intentional grievous bodily harm, a spokesperson said. The Cobra officer’s gunfire is also being reviewed in a separate procedure.
