Policeman who was shot with an arrow during the Kongsberg attack: “It’s strange to be described as a hero”

Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB

48-year-old policeman Rigoberto Villarroel was not at work when he was shot with an arrow at Coop Extra in Kongsberg. He says it is strange to be described as a hero.

It was 6:15 PM on Wednesday, October 13, when Villarroel entered the doors of Coop Extra after meeting a lady outside who said there was a man with a bow and arrow inside.

He told Politiforum that he first thought it was a case of someone using toy arrows. However, he says he understood the seriousness of the situation quickly.

Villaroel says that he called the police immediately. At the same time, he went in himself to investigate the case. He was eventually hit with an arrow in the back. Despite that, he assisted with the evacuation and kept control of a Coop entrance.

Described as a hero

Five people were killed by the perpetrator. In the aftermath of the incident, Villarroel has been described by eyewitnesses as a hero.

“That is strange. It is a tragedy where many people have been affected by this in a much stronger way than me. It is a little strange to be the one who is seen as a hero, and at the same time, not have been in pain… and coming out of it unscathed,” he told Politiforum.

When he finally arrived at Drammen Hospital, the doctors could see that the arrow had not hit any vital organs. He was discharged on Thursday and will initially be on sick leave for two weeks.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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