Manhunt in Romania for Ex-Husband Accused of Assaulting Wife, Found Hiding in Cave

A domestic violence incident in Romania escalated into a large-scale manhunt after a 48-year-old man allegedly assaulted his ex-wife and then evaded police. The suspect was eventually apprehended on May 25, 2026, after spending the night hiding in a wooded area near Lake Cinciș in Hunedoara County.

The incident began on the evening of May 24, when police on a routine patrol stopped a car driven by the 47-year-old victim. Officers noticed visible injuries on her face. The woman reported that earlier that day, around 7:00 PM, she had argued with her ex-husband in Toplița commune, during which he began to hit her. Afterward, they drove together towards Teliucu Inferior commune.

As they approached a police checkpoint, the man realized they would be stopped. He allegedly ordered his ex-wife to pull over, fled the car on foot into a nearby wooded area, and disappeared. The woman then took the wheel and was subsequently stopped by the officers. Medical assistance was called for the victim, and she was transported to the Hunedoara Emergency Reception Unit for treatment. Based on the visible injuries and risk assessment, police issued a temporary protection order against the alleged aggressor.

Authorities launched an extensive search operation involving more than 40 police officers and gendarmes. The search continued through the night, covering wooded areas near Hunedoara and surrounding communes, as well as urban zones, utilizing thermal imaging equipment. The man was finally located around 6:40 PM on May 25, hiding in dense vegetation. He was found with items for overnight survival, including a knife and a monocular.