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Swiss police: Chainsaw attacker a loner who lives in the woods

By Andrew V. Pestano
A Swiss police officer secures an area in the town of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, while a manhunt continues for 51-year-old Franz Wrousis following a chainsaw attack on Monday. Photo by Ennio Leanza/EPA
1 of 2 | A Swiss police officer secures an area in the town of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, while a manhunt continues for 51-year-old Franz Wrousis following a chainsaw attack on Monday. Photo by Ennio Leanza/EPA

July 24 (UPI) -- Police in Switzerland identified a man they believe is the chainsaw-wielding suspect who attacked five people on Monday -- two of them seriously.

Schaffhausen Police said that man is Franz Wrousis -- described as a 6-foot-2 bald loner with an unkempt appearance, who's thought to live in forests -- and he's still on the run.

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Police said Wrousis, 51, who was not previously known in the area, is likely armed and dangerous.

The attack happened Monday at an office building for the CSS health insurance company in Schaffhausen, near Switzerland's northern border with Germany.

Police said that while Wrousis' motive is unclear, they believe he targeted the insurance company specifically.

Authorities said two people were injured with the chainsaw, but it's not yet clear how the other victims were hurt. It also wasn't made clear whether the pair attacked with the chainsaw are the same victims listed in serious condition.

The central parts of Schaffhausen were sealed off so authorities could search for the attacker, police spokeswoman Cindy Beer said.

Police said the incident is not related to terrorism.

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Schaffhausen, with a population of 36,000, is about 30 miles from Zurich. Shops near the site of the attack have been shut down and authorities have told residents to avoid the area.

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