Police searching for answers after colleague gunned down

Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind yesterday’s shocking murder of the head of the Criminal Police Service in Krapina. 

The attacker, who then turned the weapon on himself, remains in critical condition at the Dubrava Clinical Hospital in Zagreb. The suspect was known to police and was in illegal possession of the weapon.

Kristijan Suša announced that Robert Grilec was posthumously awarded the Homeland’s Gratitude Medal in recognition of his outstanding service, dedication to duty, and professional conduct toward his work, colleagues, and the public.

He added that Grilec was an exceptional police officer. “Only now are we beginning to understand the profound void that this man and our colleague has left behind in all of us,” he said.

Željko Kolar described the situation as unprecedented and stressed that the safety and security of citizens were not at risk.

“This was a shocking and unprecedented event in Krapina-Zagorje County. I am confident that the investigation will determine the motive behind this tragedy. Unfortunately, however, Robert’s life cannot be brought back. His death is a tremendous loss to the police force. It is now essential to establish all the circumstances surrounding this case and restore a sense of peace and security. According to crime statistics, including murder and overall crime rates, our county remains the safest in Croatia.”