Dispute Arises After Wedding, Cars Damaged, Two Individuals Injured: Investigative Committee

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has clarified various circumstances surrounding a case of hooliganism involving the use of a weapon that took place on February 23, 2023, near a restaurant on Kievyan Street in Yerevan.

According to the gathered factual data, a 26-year-old resident of Yerevan, along with his 27-year-old friend, attended a wedding ceremony at one of the restaurants on that day. Around 23:15, they left the restaurant and entered an Opel vehicle driven by the 26-year-old. Subsequently, the 27-year-old friend rolled down the car window and demanded a lighter from an unknown individual.

While under the influence of alcohol, they exited the vehicle and, without any cause, engaged in a dispute with a group of individuals gathered outside. During this altercation, the 27-year-old man grossly violated public order by pulling and hitting members of the assembled group, while the 26-year-old, driving the same vehicle, recklessly hit parked Mercedes and Nissan cars on the street, causing property damage.

Continuing his criminal actions, the 26-year-old struck two citizens with his vehicle, resulting in bodily injuries to the victims. Subsequently, he fired his gas pistol randomly, creating a sense of fear and anxiety among the individuals present at the scene.

During the preliminary investigation, the site was examined, revealing the two damaged vehicles as well as an unfired cartridge.

As a result of public criminal prosecution, the investigator has charged the 26-year-old resident of Yerevan under Article 297, Part 3 of the RA Criminal Code, and he has been subjected to pre-trial detention. His 27-year-old friend has been charged under Article 297, Part 2, Item 1 of the RA Criminal Code, and is subject to a prohibition on departure.

The investigation is ongoing, and measures are being taken to clarify all circumstances of the case.

Note: The accused is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the RA Criminal Procedure Code through a legally binding court verdict.