Man arrested and charged in connection with multiple assaults in eastern Norway

A man in his 20s has been arrested and charged in connection with four violent assaults in Oslo, Asker, and Bærum, Dagbladet reports. The suspect has so far refused to provide a statement to police.

Police prosecutor Ellen Alvilde Arge confirmed to Dagbladet on Sunday that the man, who was detained on Saturday, has not yet explained his involvement. “We will assess whether an interrogation can proceed after he consults with his defense attorney, but as of yesterday, he maintained that he does not wish to give a statement,” Arge said. Attorney Brit Kjelleberg has been appointed as his legal representative but has not yet spoken with her client and declined to comment.

The suspect is currently charged with four counts of aggravated bodily harm, including incidents in Asker, Bærum, and a previously unreported case in Spikkestad on April 13. Authorities have not ruled out additional charges. He is also under investigation for an assault on Ammerud East in Oslo, with prosecutors expected to decide on formal charges by Monday.

Police believe the attacks, which targeted elderly women in Bærum and Asker as well as a younger woman in Oslo, were sexually motivated. The suspect was identified as a potential match based on investigative leads, including his phone’s presence at the crime scenes during the times of the incidents.

The arrested man was already known to police prior to this investigation. He is expected to appear in court on Monday for a custody hearing.