Man Attempts to Attack Officer with Axe: Investigative Committee Provides Details

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia is conducting investigative and procedural actions in the Kotayk region to clarify the circumstances surrounding a theft, interference with the legal professional activities of an official, and an incident where a patrol officer neutralized a person committing theft by gunfire in the city of Hrazdan.

On March 13, 2023, at 00:44, a resident of Hrazdan reported that unknown individuals had entered her home. According to the received report, police officers dispatched to the scene learned from the citizen that there was a person in a nearby barn. They identified themselves and demanded that the individual come out.

A man, with his face covered by a bag and holding an axe, emerged from the barn. He demanded to be released and then suddenly attacked the police officers with the axe, making erratic movements in an attempt to injure one of them. The police officers ordered him to drop the axe, warning that they would use their weapons if he did not comply.

However, the man continued to make erratic movements with the axe, attempting to harm one of the patrol officers. The officer, equipped with a GLOCK-type pistol, fired two warning shots, during which the man again attempted to strike the officer with the axe. The officer then fired once at the man, inflicting an injury to the lower abdomen.

After administering first aid, the man was immediately transported to the Hrazdan Medical Center by an ambulance, where he later died.

Through operational-investigative measures, his identity was determined; he was also a resident of Hrazdan, born in 1977.

An investigation has been initiated by the Kotayk regional investigative department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia under Article 254 (Theft) of the Criminal Code, Part 2, Clause 3, and Article 452 (Interference with the legal professional or political activities of an official). Another criminal proceeding has been initiated under Article 155 (Murder) of the Criminal Code, Part 1.

The scene has been examined, several individuals have been interrogated, and a forensic examination has been appointed. The service weapon of the patrol officer has been seized. The preliminary investigation continues, and all necessary measures are being taken to clarify the full circumstances of the incident and to legally evaluate the actions of those involved.