A man was seriously injured after falling into a water ditch in central Oulu following a physical altercation. The incident occurred on Thursday, October 30, when an argument that began inside a restaurant escalated outside.
Police confirmed the victim and suspect knew each other prior to the incident. Witnesses reported seeing one man strike the other in the head during the confrontation.
The blow caused the victim to fall into Plaanaoja, a water channel that runs through Oulu's city center. Bystanders immediately called emergency services for help.
Officers arrived quickly and pulled the unconscious man from the water. They began resuscitation efforts at the scene before transporting him for medical care.
Authorities have arrested a man born in 1975 in connection with the assault. The Oulu District Court ordered him detained on Saturday, November 1.
Police are investigating the case as assault and abandonment. The charges reflect the seriousness of leaving an injured person in dangerous conditions.
This violent escalation from verbal dispute to physical attack shows how quickly conflicts can turn dangerous. The location near Oulu's central area raises concerns about public safety in what should be secure urban spaces.