First words flew, then fists. In the Lehen district of Salzburg, several young people clashed violently on Thursday. A loud argument between four boys, all between the ages of 15 and 19, culminated in a physical altercation.

A 19-year-old Syrian man called his 20-year-old cousin and asked him for help. The 20-year-old showed up at the scene shortly after, defending his younger cousin. He punched a 16-year-old from Salzburg several times and forced the youth to apologize to his cousin.

20-year-old in custody

A 15-year-old from Salzburg then attacked the young man and injured him with several punches and knees. Suddenly the 20-year-old pulled out a pistol and threatened and injured one of the boys with it. After that he made off.

The police eventually found the man at his home address. He allowed himself to be arrested by the officers, and the pistol was seized. He was then taken to the Salzburg prison by order of the public prosecutor. The youths were charged with mutual bodily harm. The 20-year-old has to answer for assault, coercion and dangerous threats.