Police Disarmament Incident in Yerevan Resembles Action Movie: Officer Struck with Iron Rod, Gunshots Fired

On October 24, gunshots were reported in Yerevan. At approximately 00:40, operational information was received at the Shengavit police department’s criminal investigation unit that a citizen was breaking the door of a veterinary pharmacy located at 10/7 Bagratuniats Street. According to photojournalist Gagik Shamshyan from the scene, police operatives David A. and Narek M. promptly approached the location and identified themselves as police officers.

While the investigators were attempting to isolate the citizen from the scene, two unidentified individuals approached the area and attacked the officers with an iron rod. During the altercation, one of the assailants struck David A. on the head with the rod, causing bodily harm. With no other options, the officers fired one warning shot each into the air from their registered service pistols.

Feeling a real threat to himself and his partner, David A. discharged a shot toward the feet of the assailant before successfully disarming him.

While the investigation team of the Yerevan Investigation Department, led by the head of the department and senior investigator Davtyan, worked at the scene, patrol officers from the 1st platoon of the 4th battalion detained and disarmed 32-year-old Narek H. from the Ararat Province and 42-year-old Emil P. from Yerevan on Chekhov Street.

The two were arrested on suspicion of using violence against a representative of the authorities and intentionally damaging property, and were transported to the Shengavit police station, where they were presented to the Shengavit investigation unit. A criminal case has been initiated regarding the incident.

The photojournalist also reported that a phone, an iron rod, and broken glass and property from the shop were found at the scene.