Club Brawl Erupts Over Shoulder Bump, Shots Fired

The investigation into a case of hooliganism involving the use of firearms at a club in Yerevan has concluded at the Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Armenia.

According to the Investigative Committee, on May 14, 2021, during an investigation initiated under the 4th part of Article 258 of the previous Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, it was established that around 2:00 AM on the same day, two patrons at the 'Varda' club on Myasnikyan Street had bumped shoulders, prompting them to go outside the club to clarify the situation. A number of individuals joined them, and the argument continued in the club's parking lot.

During the altercation, one of the patrons, 34-year-old G.K. from Ararat Province, incited a brawl with a group of individuals, disregarding the presence of nearby residential buildings, a busy area, and numerous people at the scene. The participants in the hooliganism shouted, cursed, and inflicted mutual blows on one another, causing various bodily injuries.

The investigation revealed that G.K., inflamed by the desire to emphasize his perceived superiority among those present, fired a shot at the opposing party using a weapon loaded with .56mm caliber bullets that he had illegally obtained and possessed. This shot caused bodily harm to one of the individuals.

Furthermore, G.K. and the other participants of the incident, despite calls from club staff and patrons to calm down, continued to shout and commit acts of violence against each other. As a result, G.K. and the other participants disrupted the normal operation of the club with their deliberate hooligan behavior for about 30 minutes, disturbing the peace and nighttime tranquility of club staff and patrons, as well as nearby residents and passing citizens, instilling panic and fear among them, leading many patrons to flee in an effort to protect themselves.

The actions of the hooligans ceased only after the police arrived at the scene and took G.K. and many others into custody. Based on the established facts, G.K. has been charged under the 4th part of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, corresponding to the 3rd part of Article 297 and the 1st part of Article 235 of the current Criminal Code of Armenia, which matches to the 1st part of Article 335 of the current Criminal Code of Armenia. A measure of restraint was chosen for him in the form of a written undertaking not to leave.

His case was separated for individual proceedings, which has been completed. The case materials, with an indictment conclusion, have been sent to court for substantial examination. The investigation into the other participants in the incident, as well as the episode related to the weapon's sale, is ongoing.