Taxi Driver Attacks Passenger

A taxi driver has assaulted a passenger, taken all of his money, and fled the scene. A 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of committing a robbery.

The Investigation Committee of Armenia reports that an investigation is underway by the Gegharkunik regional investigation department to clarify the circumstances of the robbery that occurred against a resident of Vardenis city.

According to preliminary data, on December 20, 2021, around 12:00 PM, the alleged perpetrator, driving a "VAZ 21104" vehicle serving as a taxi, met the 44-year-old resident of Vardenis at a gas station in the territory of Sevan city. After learning about the passenger’s wish to go to Vardenis, the driver offered to transport him for 5000 AMD.

On the way, they entered a restaurant located in the nearby area of Sevan city, where the 44-year-old man paid the driver 15000 AMD for the taxi service and food. At around 15:30, after reaching the area adjacent to the village of Drahktik, the taxi driver attacked the 44-year-old man, pulled him from the car, threw him to the ground, struck him in the abdomen, and pressing an object used as a weapon against his throat, demanded money. After taking the whole amount of money from the man's wallet, the driver fled the scene.

A criminal case has been initiated in the Sevan investigative department of the Gegharkunik regional investigation department under the fourth part of Article 175 of the Criminal Code of Armenia for robbery. During the pre-investigation, a site examination has been conducted, and forensic medical examinations have been appointed. As a result of the measures taken, the 51-year-old taxi driver suspected of the robbery was apprehended and has been arrested. The investigation is ongoing.