Klanovice forest runner attack: police suspect a different story

Police believe the attack on a runner in Klanovice forest may have happened differently than it first appeared, and they are urging the second person involved to come forward on their own. Officers are considering mass DNA sampling around the scene to establish that person's identity.

According to police spokesman Jan Danek, investigators received new information and developed additional theories after the media reported on the case. To check them and to classify the incident correctly in legal terms, the second person involved must also be questioned. They can go to any police station in Czechia or call the investigator on 776 046 357.

At the scene, forensic officers found a biological trace that yielded a clear genetic profile. That is why mass DNA sampling is being seriously discussed in the area. Danek said the current information suggests the case is not as clear-cut as it seemed at first, and officers are checking all available information to establish what actually happened and why. Anyone with information is asked to call 158.

The incident took place on September 17. Police informed the public a week later and released a composite sketch of the attacker. According to the original version, an unknown man first spoke to the runner and spat at him. When the runner asked why, Danek said, the attacker picked up a branch or stick from the ground and hit him several times.

The runner suffered bleeding wounds on various parts of his body, including a lacerated head wound and a left wrist injury that required medical treatment.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz