Details Emerge on Theft Before Attack on Police Officers

The Investigative Committee of Armenia continues necessary investigative and procedural actions to clarify all circumstances surrounding the attack on police officers. This was reported by the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

As a result of conducted investigative actions, it has been established that the life-threatening injuries to police officer T. Arakelyan, as well as the blow to A. Hakobyan's head, were inflicted by a young man born in 2003.

It is noted that as a result of urgent investigative and operational measures, the identities of the individuals committing the apparent crime were revealed. They are brothers born in 2003 and 2001, who have since been arrested.

During the preliminary investigation, it was established that the brothers committed a theft just hours before the incident at a beauty salon in the Arabkir administrative district, after which they were spotted by the police and attempted to flee. The police officers pursued them and apprehended them on Freedom Avenue.

During their escape, one of the brothers stole a weapon attached to one of the police officers, struck A. Hakobyan on the head, and shot T. Arakelyan in the left forearm, resulting in fatal injuries.

A criminal case has been initiated regarding the apparent theft under Article 177, Part 2, Point 3 and Article 185, Part 1 of the RA Criminal Code, with the investigation being conducted in the Arabkir administrative district’s investigative division.

The criminal case concerning the theft has involved a scene investigation and interviews with the salon owner. During the investigation, it was discovered that the brothers had hidden the stolen items under one of the bridges.

Earlier, it was reported that on October 16 at 04:20 AM, the medical center 'Saint Grigor Lusavorich' reported that Tigran Arakelyan, born in 1981, and A. Hakobyan, born in 1994, were admitted with diagnoses of ‘biological death, gunshot wound to the left forearm’ and ‘laceration wound to the top of the skull’, respectively.

An investigative-operational group immediately proceeded to the scene. It was found that the individuals transported to the hospital were police officers who, on the same day at around 03:40, noticed two individuals near the entrance of Victory Park. Upon seeing a police vehicle, these individuals attempted to flee. The police officers pursued them and apprehended them on Freedom Avenue.

While attempting to escape, one of the apprehended individuals stole a weapon from one of the police officers, struck A. Hakobyan on the head, and shot T. Arakelyan in the left forearm, resulting in fatal injuries.

A criminal case has been initiated regarding the incident, under Article 238, Part 1, Article 316, Part 2, and Article 104, Part 2, Point 2 of the RA Criminal Code. An investigative group has been formed and an investigative plan developed.

A scene investigation revealed one cartridge and one bullet, blood-like traces, and samples have been taken. The deceased’s clothing, which had blood-like traces, was also seized. Expert examinations have been appointed to clarify significant circumstances related to the case.

Note: A suspect in a presumed crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures defined by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia by a court ruling that has entered into legal force.