Split police officer in critical condition after stabbing

A police officer in Split is in critical condition after being stabbed late Wednesday night.

The attacker, an 18-year-old man with a history of mental health issues, is in custody. Earlier in the day, he had reportedly threatened family members, prompting them to call the police.

The 59-year-old neighborhood officer, who was still on duty but heading home, recognized the young man on the street and approached him. During the interaction, the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed the officer. The attack occurred around 10:45 p.m. in the Bilice district.

Doctors said the officer sustained multiple wounds to the chest and abdomen. He underwent surgery and is now in an induced coma.

After the arrest, the suspect was admitted to the Split psychiatric hospital.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Interior Minister Davor Božinović said, “We can only hope for the best and keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”

He also condemned what he described as “sensationalism, slander, and malicious gloating” on social media, urging the public to show restraint.

“A post may be entertaining to one person, but for someone else — particularly someone with mental-health issues — it could trigger dangerous criminal behavior,” Božinović said, adding that he did not know whether social media played a role in this case.

The Split Police Department and the Police Union issued statements expressing support for their injured colleague.