In the Leningrad region, a violent incident unfolded near a playground when a visibly intoxicated man discharged a gas pistol toward a fenced area and a nearby play space. The blast, aimed at what appeared to be a stray dog near the playground, created dangerous conditions for multiple residents and led to chemical burns among members of a nearby family, including a child. According to preliminary information reported by 78.ru, the assailant’s actions produced injuries that required medical attention and left affected individuals with concerns about their safety in communal outdoor spaces.
On December 31, 2022, the intoxicated suspect moved through the Prirechnoye SNT area, an area known for its cluster of cottages and seasonal homes. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the man reacted to the presence of a dog near the playground and opened fire with a gas pistol. The volley of shots injured several local residents, including a man, a woman, and a child who were present in the vicinity. Medical assessments confirmed chemical burns as part of the injuries, and a number of witnesses noted accompanying facial scratches on the aggressor as well as onlookers, underscoring a scene that quickly escalated from a routine twilight stroll to a residential emergency. The neighborhood has since described the attacker as someone who has previously been involved in several altercations with cottage owners in the same SNT, suggesting a pattern of disputes that occasionally spill over into violence and disrupt community safety.
Another unrelated, but equally worrying, incident was reported in Rivne where a person described as unknown threw a grenade toward a playing field. Early reports indicate that four people, including a small child, sustained injuries from the explosion. This incident, while geographically distant, adds to concerns about security near playgrounds and public recreational areas, highlighting the vulnerability of families and children in open spaces. Community observers emphasize the importance of rapid emergency response, clear reporting channels, and preventive measures to reduce the risk of similar violence near homes and parks. [Citation: 78.ru]