Stabbing Incident in St. Petersburg Hypermarket
A violent attack occurred in a hypermarket on Kosmonavtov Avenue in St. Petersburg, where a man wielding a knife injured at least five individuals. The incident took place at the Okey store, prompting immediate response from local law enforcement and medical personnel. According to the Main Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of Russia, the attacker has been identified as 44-year-old Yuri Artemyev, a local resident who was disarmed at the scene.
The regional health committee confirmed that five victims were hospitalized following the attack, with four in serious condition and one in moderate condition. The injured were transported to City Hospital No. 26 and the Dzhanelidze Research Institute of Emergency Care. Investigators are currently examining the crime scene, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses to gather more information about the incident.
Motive and Background of the Attacker
The motives behind Artemyev's violent actions remain unclear. Initial reports suggest that he may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack. During police interrogation, he expressed a disdain for those around him, which may have contributed to his decision to commit the stabbing. Local residents described Artemyev as a frequent visitor to the store, known for seeking alcohol and companionship.
Interestingly, Artemyev has a background in sports, having previously worked as a fencing specialist at a children's sports school. However, he left that profession over a decade ago. According to acquaintances, he was generally perceived as an ordinary and calm individual, with no prior indications of violent behavior. In contrast, a former classmate noted that he did not stand out as a troublemaker during their school years.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigations
In the aftermath of the attack, the Okey store has been closed to the public, with law enforcement cordoning off the area. Videos of the incident and subsequent aid provided to victims have circulated online, raising concerns about public safety in the region. The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case against Artemyev, charging him with attempted murder under Russian law.
This stabbing incident follows another violent crime in the Chelyabinsk region, where a taxi driver was murdered by a young suspect, leading to protests against the Roma community. The string of violent events has heightened tensions in various communities across Russia, prompting discussions about safety and the underlying causes of such attacks.
