Klagenfurt inmate arrested in Graz after stealing vehicle during furlough

A 32-year-old Austrian inmate has been apprehended in Graz following a vehicle theft in Klagenfurt. The suspect was reportedly on a work-related furlough from the Klagenfurt correctional facility when the incident occurred on Tuesday, October 20.

According to police, the man was engaged in a work assignment at a non-profit organization when he took a freely accessible car key and fled in a white Opel Crossland X with a black roof. The vehicle belonged to a 41-year-old animal caretaker at the Garten Eden animal shelter, who noted that the car was essential for his livelihood and his ability to care for the animals.

Following an initial unsuccessful local search, both the suspect and the vehicle were issued a wanted notice. Police confirmed that the suspect was successfully located and arrested in Graz during the early hours of Wednesday morning.