A passer-by intervened after witnessing the attack on a 28-year-old woman, helping her escape. Police arrested the 34-year-old Hungarian suspect just 300 metres from the scene.
A 34-year-old Hungarian man has been arrested in Vienna on suspicion of attempting to rape a woman who was out running on Monday morning. The suspect allegedly grabbed the 28-year-old, dragged her to the ground and attempted to sexually assault her after they both fell down an embankment.
According to Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung, the attack took place on Brigittenauer Lände, where a passer-by witnessed the incident and intervened when he realised that the woman was being sexually assaulted.
The witness initially believed he had come across a physical altercation. However, after taking a closer look, he recognised the nature of the attack and stepped in to help the victim.
Passer-by’s intervention helped save the woman
The suspect reportedly released the woman when the passer-by intervened and fled the scene. Police launched an immediate search and arrested the man at around 6.45 am, approximately 300 metres from the location of the alleged attack.
Police spokesperson Markus Dittrich confirmed the circumstances of the incident to Kronen Zeitung.
The suspect is a 34-year-old Hungarian citizen without a permanent registered address. Following his arrest, he was questioned by police but denied committing the offence.
He was subsequently taken into custody at a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
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Victim suffered minor injuries; investigation continues
The 28-year-old woman escaped with relatively minor physical injuries, suffering abrasions during the attack. The psychological impact of the incident remains unclear. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect’s guilt has not yet been established by a court.
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