The municipal state attorney's office in Split continues the investigation against a 49-year-old Croatian citizen who is suspected of attempted severe bodily injury committed with a knife. According to the report, the incident occurred on October 10, 2024, in Trilj, where the suspect approached the vehicle in which the victim was located and, with the intention of seriously injuring him, swung the knife towards his head. The victim instinctively raised his hand to defend himself, sustaining a stab wound in the forearm. Although the injury was classified as minor, the municipal state attorney's office considers the incident very serious and has submitted a request for the determination of investigative detention due to the possibility of reoffending, in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Case details and course of investigation

This case has attracted public attention given the circumstances under which the attack occurred. According to the police report, the suspect approached the victim while he was sitting in a stopped vehicle and initiated a physical altercation with a knife. The suspect's intention, according to the information, was to inflict serious bodily injuries, but thanks to the victim's quick reaction, who raised his hand to protect himself, the injuries were limited to minor wounds.

The police reacted immediately, and the suspect was arrested and questioned the following day, October 11, 2024. It was proposed that he be placed in investigative detention to prevent the possibility of repeating a similar criminal act. According to the Criminal Procedure Act, investigative detention may be ordered in cases where there is a serious threat that the suspect could endanger the safety of other citizens or influence witnesses.

Wider context of criminal activities in the region

Trilj and surrounding areas have seen an increase in violent cases in recent years, which has led authorities to focus more on prevention and rapid prosecution of similar criminal acts. This attack is not an isolated incident; similar incidents, such as the attack in Hvar in July 2024, where a 62-year-old man attempted to seriously injure multiple people, indicate a worrying trend of escalating violence. Authorities in Split, including the municipal state attorney's office, are intensifying their efforts in combating violence, directing resources towards quicker prosecution of perpetrators of serious crimes.

Community protection measures

Given the rise in violent incidents, security forces are implementing enhanced preventive measures in cooperation with local authorities. In cases like this, where there is a clear danger of repeating a criminal act, investigative detention plays a key role in protecting the community. The police and judicial institutions in Split are cooperating to ensure a quick response and adequate measures to prevent further conflicts. The victim has been taken care of after the incident, and the court proceedings against the suspect are ongoing.

This case further emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach by security services and the judiciary in addressing violence issues in local communities, ensuring greater safety for citizens and speed in the administration of justice.