Robbers Steal Gold Chain from Shop Owner and Escape

Two 42-year-old residents and one unidentified person parked a Toyota Camry in front of a shop entrance. A 45-year-old man and the still unidentified individual entered the store while the others waited in the vehicle. Inside the store, the 45-year-old man brought products to the cash register, but the cashier requested that he use a cart to bring the items closer. Using the minor request as an excuse, the man began to argue with the cashier.

The Investigative Committee of Armenia reports on the case, revealing that in the store "GAI Market" on the Yerevan-Sevan highway, several circumstances of hooliganism, intentional severe harm to health, and robbery have been clarified.

During the preliminary investigation, it was established that on March 24, 2021, at around 1:20 AM, a 45-year-old resident of Kotayk province, along with two 42-year-old residents and one unidentified person, arrived at the store with the intent to shop using the aforementioned Toyota Camry. While the 45-year-old man and the unidentified individual entered the store, the others stayed in the car.

Inside the store, the 45-year-old brought the items to the cashier's table, but the cashier asked him to use a cart. Ignoring the presence of other customers, he and the unidentified individual displayed aggressive behavior towards the cashier, shouting insults. The cashier's brother and store manager intervened, after which those waiting in the car entered the store as well.

As a group, they grossly disturbed public order for an extended time, causing damage to store property and seriously injuring the cashier through physical attacks. Subsequently, the two 42-year-old men used a knife to forcibly pull off the owner’s gold chain from his neck, fleeing the scene and inflicting significant material damage.

As a result of investigative and operational measures, the 45-year-old resident of Kotayk province was located and presented to the prosecuting authority. He has been charged under Article 258 (Hooliganism) part 4 of the RA Criminal Code and is being held in custody. The two 42-year-old men are suspects under Article 258 part 4, Article 112 (Intentional Infliction of Severe Harm) part 2 item 6, and Article 175 (Robbery) part 2 items 1, 2, and 4, and they are wanted by authorities. The investigation is ongoing.