Driver arrested after attacking pedestrians in Modena, 7 injured

A car drove into pedestrians in the historic center of Modena, northern Italy, injuring seven people, before the driver crashed into a shop window and stabbed a passerby who attempted to intervene, authorities said. The incident occurred on Saturday in the area of Via Emilia Centro, with emergency crews arriving at around 4:30 p.m. local time.

Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti said four of the injured were in serious condition, with one woman badly hurt after being crushed against the shop window. In remarks to RaiNews24 cited by officials, Mezzetti said, “It seems the driver deliberately drove onto the sidewalk, hitting several people and crashing into a shop window. He then got out of his car and brandished a knife.”

Police said the driver, a man in his 30s, was arrested shortly after fleeing the scene. According to the mayor, the suspect is an Italian citizen born in Bergamo, of North African origin, and a resident of the Modena area. Local reports described the vehicle as a silver Citroen with extensive front-end damage.

Officials said the driver then tried to get away on foot and was detained after being stopped by people nearby or located by police between Rua Pioppa and Corso...