May the 12th, 2026 – Robert Grilec, head of the Criminal Police at the Krapina-Zagorje Police Department, was murdered in a café in Krapina while off-duty on May the 10th, the news has sent shock waves across Croatia.
Zagorje. It’s peaceful, safe, and full of natural beauty. The only crimes that usually take place there involve poaching or having a bit too much to drink. Rarely are there ever serious incidents. That’s why an absolutely shocking situation involving the murder of the Krapina Criminal Police boss has had such an impact.
The attack that claiemed Robert Grilec’s life occurred shortly after 08:00 on May the 10th, 2026, in a café located within a shopping centre in Krapina. According to witness statements, the 52-year-old perpetrator entered the café, approached Grilec without any apparent argument or prior confrontation having taken place, and fired three shots at him at close range, ending his life immediately. The gunman then exited the café and turned his gun on himself, sustaining very serious injuries. He was airlifted by helicopter to Dubrava Clinical Hospital in Zagreb, where he underwent surgery and still remains in critical condition.
“They didn’t argue at all. He just came into the café and shot him dead. My colleague was taking the order from the police officer at the time,” stated a stunned waiter who was working when the incident took place. Another staff member reportedly noticed the suspect driving slowly in front of the café earlier and peering intentionally inside.
Robert Grilec, also aged 52, was a long-serving and highly respected police officer in Krapina. He had led the criminal police service in Krapina-Zagorje for over ten years. Back in 2018, he was awarded a decoration for exemplary and honourable service by then-President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. Colleagues described him as a professional and dedicated.
Grilec and his murderer were actually neighbours in the Bobovje area of Krapina, living several houses apart. Reports indicate the perpetrator had a long history of police reports, including multiple instances related to domestic violence and similar crimes. Some media outlets have reported that the suspect had been behaving in an bizarre manner in the days leading up to this dreadful incident, including allegedly following and harassing another police officer.
“an attack on a police officer is an attack on society”
Interior Minister Davor Božinović confirmed the identity of the victim and expressed deep condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He stated that “an attack on a police officer is an attack on society”, adding that all circumstances surrounding this situation, as well as the motive for the crime, are under intensive investigation. He added that Robert Grilec was precisely the kind of exemplary police officer the country needs.
This incident has understandably shaken not only the Krapina-Zagorje area but all of Croatia, a country where such things simply don’t occur. Police were quickly present on the scene, where they carried out a detailed on-site investigation throughout the day.
