Hooliganism Involving Weapon-like Object in Abovyan City: Criminal Case Launched

On September 16, 2020, at 20:40, a report was received from the Abovyan Medical Center regarding a 31-year-old man seeking medical assistance for blunt trauma to the left upper jaw, a dislocated fracture of the right arm, and a concussion, with a questionable diagnosis.

On the same day, an employee of the Kotayk Division of the Police submitted a report indicating that a fight had occurred on Republic Street in Abovyan City. During the preparation of materials regarding the incident, factual data were obtained indicating that around 19:00 on September 16, a 31-year-old resident of Abovyan City drove his car towards a 32-year-old woman crossing the street, which led to a dispute between them. Friends of the woman, who responded to her call, and acquaintances of the 31-year-old man present at the scene also became involved in the argument.

During the altercation, one of the participants struck the 31-year-old man and his acquaintances with an object resembling a firearm—a lighter shaped like a pistol—causing bodily injuries.

A criminal case has been opened at the Kotayk Division of the Police under part 4 of Article 258 of the RA Criminal Code (hooliganism). The case has been forwarded to the Abovyan Investigation Department of the RA Investigative Committee and has been accepted for processing. The investigative group has been instructed to conduct the preliminary investigation.

During the investigation, extensive investigative actions have been carried out, including questioning several witnesses, individuals who witnessed and participated in the incident, confrontations, searches, and other investigative and procedural actions.

As a result of the large-scale investigative and operational measures conducted, the identities of 9 individuals involved in the incident have been established, all of whom are residents of the Kotayk region. Two of these individuals voluntarily presented themselves to the prosecuting authority and provided self-incriminating testimonies. One individual, a 24-year-old man, was given a signature to not leave as a preventive measure, while another, a 22-year-old man, was subjected to bail, and a decision was made to release him from detention.

A forensic medical examination has been appointed to clarify significant circumstances related to the criminal case. Measures are being undertaken to uncover all circumstances of the incident, determine the complete circle of participants, identify each of their actions, and provide a legal assessment of their actions. The preliminary investigation is ongoing.