Middle-aged man injured in suspected assault near Oulu festival
Police in Oulu are investigating an alleged assault that left a middle-aged man injured after falling down a steep slope near the Koiteli elää! festival over the weekend. The incident occurred outside the festival area in Koitelinkoski during the night between Friday and Saturday.
According to investigation leader Jarno Väliaho from the Oulu Police Department, the victim and the suspected perpetrator—both middle-aged and acquainted—had attended the festival earlier in the evening. Both individuals were intoxicated at the time of the incident (Ilta-Sanomat).
The fall was preceded by "intentional contact," such as pushing or hitting, Väliaho stated. The victim either fell or was pushed over a low fence, rolling approximately four meters down a slope with an incline of 45–50 degrees (Yle). While the injuries sustained are not life-threatening, Väliaho noted that the outcome could have been far more severe.
"There was a much steeper slope nearby. If the victim had fallen from there, the fall would have been a much longer distance," he told Ilta-Sanomat.
The suspect was initially detained but has since been released. The case is being investigated as assault and negligent injury (Ilta-Sanomat). Both parties have been questioned, though police have not disclosed further details about the victim’s condition or the suspect’s identity.
Bystanders, including festival staff, provided assistance at the scene. The area was not crowded at the time of the incident (Yle). The incident was first reported by Kaleva.
