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Summary for: Prague police seek man accused of threatening tram passengers with knifePrague police are searching for a man accused of pulling a knife and threatening to kill passengers after becoming angry about a young child crying on tram 22.
The incident happened shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday in the second carriage of a tram traveling from Malostranská to Malostranské náměstí, police spokesperson Richard Hrdina said in a statement Sunday.
A witness reported the confrontation to the police emergency line. Detectives have obtained camera footage showing the suspect and are asking the public to help identify him. They are also seeking the passengers who were threatened.
Confrontation escalated after child began crying
According to police, the passengers appeared to be a family traveling with a small child. The child’s crying angered another passenger, who began shouting loudly and abusively.
Police said the child became frightened and cried more, after which the man’s aggression escalated. He allegedly took a knife from his pocket and threatened the group.
A witness told investigators that the man demanded the child be quiet and threatened to kill both the child and the accompanying passengers.
The suspect then left the tram at Malostranské náměstí and walked away. His subsequent movements are unknown.
Detectives from Prague 1’s first criminal investigation department have been searching for him since the witness reported the incident. As of Sunday’s police appeal, they had not identified him.
The police account is based on the reported confrontation and a witness’s description. Investigators are asking the affected passengers to come forward so they can establish further details directly with them.
Police release clothing description and seek victims
Camera footage obtained by investigators shows the suspect wearing high leather boots, black shorts with white stripes down the sides and a black T-shirt.
He was carrying a brown imitation-leather jacket and another jacket with an orange lining.
Police are asking anyone who recognizes the man in the footage, or has information that could help locate him, to call 158.
The passengers who were threatened are also being asked to contact police. According to police, they can report to any police station.
The man is suspected of extortion. If convicted, he could face up to eight years in prison, Hrdina said.
