A knife attack on a taxi driver in Orenburg is under police investigation
A passenger assaulted a taxi driver with a knife in Orenburg, according to the regional press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The incident began when the taxi driver reported an attempted theft of the vehicle to police, and officers on the scene began collecting details to reconstruct the sequence of events.
The preliminary findings indicate that the assailant struck the driver on Kommunarov Street in the morning, seized the car, and threatened the driver with a knife. During the confrontation, the attacker apparently lost control of the vehicle and caused a traffic collision before fleeing the scene. The pursuit by law enforcement followed, and the suspect was subsequently detained.
Authorities have opened a criminal case related to the incident. If convicted, the suspect could face a sentence extending up to 12 years in prison. The investigation continues to establish motive, weapon handling, and other circumstances surrounding the attack and the subsequent escape.
In a separate incident reported previously, a drunk driver in Barnaul lost control and drove into a tram stop crowded with people along Krasnoarmeysky Boulevard. Eyewitness accounts describe the car striking a female pedestrian who was pushed onto the tram rails, with the white station wagon then becoming lodged in a metal fence that separates vehicular and tram routes. Investigators are evaluating injuries, vehicle dynamics, and potential road safety violations linked to that event.
Another earlier report notes that a driver was beaten for making dangerous maneuvers on the Koktebel road. Details from that event are being reviewed by authorities to determine appropriate charges and any contributing factors such as road conditions or driver behavior.
These incidents underline the ongoing efforts of regional police to respond to violent crime and traffic hazards, assess threat levels, and uphold public safety. The authorities are encouraging residents to provide timely information to assist in investigations and to report suspicious activity to police promptly. The public is reminded to practice situational awareness, especially when sharing a vehicle, and to avoid confrontation when possible while awaiting official help or authorities.
At present, investigators emphasize that all investigative steps are being conducted in line with applicable law, with careful attention paid to preserving evidence from the scene, verifying witness statements, and tracking the movements of the suspect. Updates will be issued by the regional ministry as new information becomes available. (Source: Regional press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia)