Explosion with Unidentified Object Occurs in Yerevan; Criminal Case Initiated

On August 14, 2021, at 2:05 AM, the operational management center of the Police of the Republic of Armenia received a report from a citizen regarding a vehicle parked near a gas station on Saralanj Street in Yerevan, from which a loud explosion was heard, and the passengers exited the vehicle.

The investigative committee's Information and Public Relations Department informs that as a result of measures taken, it was determined that an explosion occurred in the section of the dividing strip of the "Saralanj" roadway, opposite one of the addresses on Aghbyur Serob Street, caused by an unidentified object. As a result, the left side of a moving "Mitsubishi Pajero IO" car, the left front door, the left indicator, and the drainage system were damaged.

During the examination of the scene, metal fragments resembling an explosive grenade, a grenade handle, and soil from the explosion site were discovered and seized.

A criminal case has been initiated at the Arabkir investigative division of the Yerevan city investigative administration of the RA Investigative Committee under the first part of Article 235 and the second part of point 1 of Article 185 of the RA Criminal Code.

A forensic explosive technical, forensic examination, and forensic trace examination have been appointed. Necessary measures are being taken to clarify the circumstances of the incident and the identity of the person presumed to have committed the crime. The pre-investigation continues.

Notice: The suspect or accused in the alleged crime is considered innocent until proven guilty by a legally binding court verdict, in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia.