The incident on Planernaya Street in St. Petersburg involved a man who attacked an employee of Lenta in a case driven by jealousy, according to the press service of the Investigative Committee. The report frames the motive as personal and ties the attack to unresolved emotions that culminated in violence in a public retail space.
Authorities say the victim sustained at least nine blows from an axe during the assault. Emergency responders transported the man to a hospital where he remains in serious condition. Diagnoses include multiple injuries, a skull fracture, a fracture to the skull vault, and a fractured lower jaw. He is currently in intensive care, with medical teams monitoring his status closely.
The event occurred in the afternoon, when an assailant armed with an axe forced entry into the store and began striking the young man, including a vicious blow to the head. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the confrontation escalated rapidly, prompting swift intervention from bystanders and store staff who attempted to shield others and contain the attacker until authorities arrived.
According to Fontanka, the suspect is a 42-year-old man who had recently returned from service in the Northern Military District. He was detained without further incident and is now in custody as investigators compile evidence and interview witnesses to establish a precise timeline of events and the sequence of actions that led to the assault.
Earlier reports note that in Novosibirsk a local resident had attacked his ex-girlfriend and the person who had brought her home, using a hand grenade as part of the disturbance. The assailant also carried an airsoft weapon and a fake grenade, highlighting a troubling pattern of violence that has drawn attention from regional law enforcement agencies and security services. The authorities stressed the seriousness of such weapons and the risk they pose in public spaces, particularly when coupled with personal grievances that escalate into violence.
In a separate incident, three security guards, hailing from Kuzbass, were wounded in a separate assault involving axes and knives. Investigators are reviewing these cases to determine whether there is a broader pattern or a common thread in the violent acts that have drawn concerns across multiple regions. The goal is to establish whether these episodes reflect individual acts or reveal a more coordinated risk environment that requires targeted measures.
Overall, the series of incidents underscores the potential for sudden, brutal violence in public places and the importance of swift law enforcement responses, thorough investigations, and support for victims. The Investigative Committee is continuing its work to verify all facts, identify any accomplices, and determine whether additional charges or protective measures are warranted as part of ongoing proceedings.
Local authorities remind residents to exercise caution in crowded commercial areas, report suspicious behavior promptly, and cooperate with investigators to help clarify the circumstances surrounding these violent events. The safety of workers and shoppers remains a priority as investigators sort through the complex details of each case and work toward clear, documented conclusions with accountability where warranted.