Despite 21 charges, the dangerous "axe man" is still free.
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A 35-year-old man in Gräfenhainichen, Sachsen-Anhalt, has become the focus of repeated police operations. He allegedly threatened children with an axe, attacked passers-by and made threats, yet remains free.
The latest incidents reportedly occurred on July 26. Police said the man first allegedly insulted someone at a petrol station before later hitting an 18-year-old in the face near a snack bar. Another confrontation then reportedly took place outside a residential building.
According to the wife of the alleged victim, her husband was smoking outside when the 35-year-old approached him and threatened to kick him. The situation allegedly turned violent, with the man reportedly striking him and setting his dog on him. The victim suffered bite wounds and used a patio awning pole to defend himself until his son forced the attacker away.
Police say there have been 34 operations connected to the man so far, resulting in 21 criminal complaints. The allegations include bodily harm, insults, threats and trespassing. Authorities have also investigated claims that the man kicked and beat his dog, leading to proceedings over a possible violation of Germany’s Tierschutzgesetz (Animal Welfare Act). The city had previously imposed restrictions requiring the dog to be kept on a leash and wearing a muzzle.
The dog has since died, according to Gräfenhainichen Mayor Enrico Schilling (CDU), although he provided no further details. Schilling said the city was regularly in contact with police but stressed that decisions involving police, prosecutors and courts were outside the mayor’s authority. He said he was sometimes “konsterniert” (dismayed) by the repeated incidents and wished some punishments could be imposed more quickly.
Police also confirmed that the 35-year-old had previously been placed temporarily in a psychiatric facility following a fire he allegedly started, which nearly destroyed a garden shed. Authorities said there had been no further incidents involving him during the week following July 26, although social media users have continued posting claims about his alleged activities. Police have not confirmed those reports.