27-Year-Old Arrested on Suspicion of Violence Against a Public Official

The Investigation Committee of Armenia is conducting an inquiry to clarify all circumstances surrounding a case of violence against a public official by a resident of Vanadzor.

According to the data obtained during the investigation, a 27-year-old resident of Vanadzor, on May 19, 2020, around 21:35, noticed a police officer performing duties in Artsakh Park in the same city. This officer had previously detained the 27-year-old for an offense at around 17:00 on the same day. The suspect allegedly engaged in a confrontation, physically pulling at the officer, and intentionally struck him several times with his fists on various parts of his body, tore off the police insignia from his uniform, and fled the scene.

A criminal case has been initiated at the Investigation Committee's Lori regional department under Article 316, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, which addresses the use of violence against a public official. The officer has been recognized as a victim in this incident.

During the pre-investigation process, an examination of the crime scene has been conducted. The officer’s uniform and insignia have been confiscated, and relevant expertise has been assigned. As a result of the investigative actions and operational-search measures taken, the 27-year-old resident of Vanadzor has been arrested. The investigation is ongoing.

Notice: The suspect or accused in the alleged crime is considered innocent until proven guilty by a verdict of the court that has entered into legal force in accordance with the procedural law of the Republic of Armenia.