Driver Hits Group of People in Passau, Injuring Five in Suspected Family Dispute

According to police, among the five individuals injured were the driver’s wife and five-year-old daughter. Investigators are examining a potential family dispute—possibly related to child custody—as a possible motive behind the act.

Incident Details

At approximately 3:30 p.m., the 48-year-old man drove a black Mercedes into a crowd on Grünaustraße, a quiet one-way street lined with residential buildings near downtown Passau. The car came to a stop at an angle on the sidewalk. Following the collision, a physical altercation reportedly broke out between the driver and some of the injured individuals. Witnesses quickly alerted emergency services, and police arrested the driver at the scene.

Victims and Injuries

Five people were injured in the incident, including the driver’s 40-year-old wife and their young daughter. Several of the victims were transported to the hospital for treatment. Police confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening, and some victims sustained only minor wounds.

Suspect Profile

The suspect is a 48-year-old man of Iraqi origin. The family is believed to live in the greater Passau area. According to Bavarian broadcaster BR, the suspect knew all of the individuals involved, suggesting the act was not random. Police have not disclosed whether the man has made any statements regarding the allegations, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Possible Motive

Preliminary findings suggest the man may have deliberately driven into the group. Investigators are considering a family-related motive, with indications that a dispute—possibly concerning custody—may have triggered the event. It remains unclear whether the suspect has addressed these suspicions during questioning.

Legal Proceedings and Investigation

The case is currently being treated as an attempted homicide. The Passau criminal police unit and the local public prosecutor’s office have taken over the investigation. The suspect is expected to appear before a magistrate on Sunday, who will determine whether to issue an arrest warrant.

Police Request for Witnesses

Authorities are asking witnesses who observed the incident or who may have relevant information to contact the Passau Criminal Police Department at +49 851 95110 or reach out to any other police station.

(Source: dpa)