36-Year-Old Man Commits Sexual Assault and Attempts Escape from Police Custody

On July 26, 2020, a 29-year-old woman from Vanadzor reported that at approximately 11:15 AM on the same day, an unknown man had sexually assaulted her.

Following the report, an investigation was initiated, including an examination of the crime scene and receipt of a statement from the victim. A forensic medical examination was also ordered to clarify significant circumstances around the incident.

A criminal case was opened by the Armenian police under the first part of Article 139 of the Criminal Code (sexual assault), and the case was forwarded to the Lori Regional Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia for further proceedings. The 29-year-old woman was recognized as the victim.

During the investigation, actions were taken and operational search activities were conducted that led to the identification of the offender, a 36-year-old resident of Vanadzor. He was located and arrested on suspicion of committing sexual violence against the 29-year-old woman.

Additionally, while being transferred from the administrative building of the Lori Regional Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia, the 36-year-old attempted to escape but was thwarted by the police officers accompanying him.

A criminal case was also initiated regarding the escape attempt, under the first part of Article 34-355 of the Criminal Code (attempting to escape from the custody of an arrested or detained person).

It was decided to consolidate the two criminal cases into a single proceeding for a joint investigation.

Based on sufficient evidence obtained, the man has been charged under Article 139 (sexual assault) and Article 34-355 (attempted escape from custody).

A request has been submitted to the court to choose pre-trial detention as a measure of restraint.

Necessary investigative and procedural actions are underway to clarify all circumstances of the incidents and to ensure an objective, thorough, and multifaceted examination.

A forensic genetic examination has also been ordered to clarify significant details related to the criminal case. The pre-trial investigation continues.

Notice: A suspect or an accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law in accordance with the procedural laws of Armenia.