US soldier in custody in connection with stabbing

STUTTGART, Germany — A U.S. soldier was arrested at his Stuttgart home on Sunday in connection with the stabbing of a U.S. civilian, who identified his attacker after emerging from a coma, German authorities said Monday.

The 27-year-old suspect, who German and U.S. Army authorities did not identify, is being held “under the suspicion of attempted murder,” according to Ulm police.

U.S. Army in Europe declined to comment on the case, citing an investigation.

The victim, a 26-year-old civilian connected to the Stuttgart military community, was stabbed in the neck on March 31 while in the city of Ulm with the soldier now implicated in the attack, German authorities said.

The accused soldier initially told police that he and the victim were approached aggressively by two unknown men, that a physical altercation ensued in which the victim was stabbed.

However, after emerging from a coma, the victim told investigators his companion had attacked him.

The suspect has made no further statement since being taken into custody, police said in a statement. Details of the assault and a possible motive remain unclear.

Reiner Durst, spokesman from Ulm police, said the victim remains in poor condition, which has limited the ability to question him about what transpired.

The victim, who was stabbed in the neck, suffered life-threatening injuries that caused a significant amount of blood loss, police said.

Durst said a knife believed to have been used in the stabbing has been recovered. However, Ulm police declined to say where the knife was found, citing the need to protect the investigation.

German investigators said they would work closely with American authorities as the investigation continues and to determine jurisdiction over the case.

Police are continuing to look for witnesses to the attack, which occurred on Easter Sunday at about 12:30 a.m. on Schillerstraße in Ulm.

“If we find a witness, this could help us to find out more clearly what happened,” Durst said.

Anyone with information should contact police at 0731-1880.

vandiver.john@stripes.com