A violent confrontation unfolded in the Athens district of Kallithea in the early hours of Saturday, when a 50-year-old man stabbed a police officer during an attempted arrest.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m., when a police patrol approached the man at the intersection of Thiseos Avenue and Spartis Street after spotting him damaging parked vehicles. According to police, the suspect — described as being in an agitated state — pulled out a knife and began smashing car windows.
Attack and Police Response
Footage released by Greek public broadcaster ERT shows the man vandalizing cars before turning on the officers who tried to intervene.
He reportedly stabbed one officer three times in the left arm, prompting another officer to fire a “disabling shot” at his left leg to stop the assault. Both men were injured during the incident.
Immediate Medical Care
Emergency responders administered first aid at the scene, using a tourniquet to control bleeding before transporting both injured men to nearby hospitals. The officer was taken to the 401 Military Hospital, while the suspect was sent to Laiko Hospital.
Authorities confirmed that both are in stable condition and not in danger.
Ongoing Investigation
Police later revealed that the 50-year-old suspect was already under a court order for psychiatric confinement. The Hellenic Police (ELAS) have launched a full investigation into the attack and the circumstances leading up to the violent encounter.
The dramatic incident has sparked renewed debate in Greece about mental health care and public safety, as the video of the stabbing circulates widely on Greek media.
