It is a Romanian citizen, police spokesman Johann Baumschlager said early on Thursday. He did not provide any further information for the time being, citing the investigation. The man’s two accomplices were still on the run.
According to the investigation, the 71-year-old homeowner fired three shots from a handgun that he legally owns. A projectile hit the Romanian. The man underwent surgery and, according to Baumschlager, an interview should take place later today.
Burglar attacked 50-year-old woman
The three masked perpetrators broke into the residential building in the Weinviertel community around 1 a.m. on Wednesday. The couple sleeping upstairs – the 71-year-old and his 50-year-old partner – were woken up by a noise, and the dog had also struck. The woman went to the basement where she confronted the intruders. One of the perpetrators attacked the 50-year-old with a metal object and knocked her to the ground.
Husband shot the perpetrator
The 71-year-old came to the aid of his screaming partner and shot one of the perpetrators. According to Baumschlager, the victim remained lying wounded in the garden, was treated by arriving officers and ultimately arrested. The 50-year-old was hit in the face during the attack and was treated as an outpatient in hospital. Her partner remained unharmed.
The investigation was taken over by the robbery group of the Lower Austria State Criminal Police Office. In particular, the circumstances in which the shot was fired should also be determined. It is being examined whether the 71-year-old fired in self-defense.
