Scuffle Involving Chambarak Leader: Suspect Punches Officer and Flees

The investigation division of the Gegharkunik regional investigative department of the RA Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal case regarding a hooliganism incident and interference with the lawful activities of police officers in the city of Chambarak.

On May 4, 2023, around 10:30 PM, patrolling officers noticed a "Toyota RAV-4" parked on a pedestrian crossing on September 21 Street in Chambarak. After a warning, the vehicle was relocated. The officers stopped the vehicle to check documentation, only to find out that the driver was operating the vehicle without a driver's license.

A passenger in the vehicle intervened during the conversation, later identified as the leader of the Chambarak community, while the driver was an employee of the Chambarak municipality. The discussion escalated into a confrontation when approximately 20-25 individuals approached and intervened in the altercation. The crowd began to pull at the patrol officers, shouting obscenities, and one of them punched an officer in the face before fleeing the scene.

Subsequent measures taken led to the identification of the individual who struck the officer, a resident of the same community, born in 1994. In connection with the incident, the Gegharkunik regional investigative department has initiated a criminal case based on Articles 297 (2)(1) and 452 (3) of the RA Criminal Code.

Hours after the incident, the individuals involved were arrested on reasonable suspicion of using violence against a public official and taken to the authorities. Based on the evidence and other procedural actions carried out during the pre-investigation, a decision was made to initiate public criminal proceedings against the community leader and the driver for hooliganism under Article 297 (2)(1) of the RA Criminal Code, with a prohibition on absence chosen as a precautionary measure against them.

A public criminal case has been launched against the 29-year-old Chambarak resident under Article 297 (2)(1) and Article 452 (3) for using violence against a public official's lawful service or political activities. The court decided to apply detention as a precautionary measure against him. The investigation is ongoing. Measures are being taken to clarify all circumstances of the incident, identify the involved parties, and provide legal assessments of each individual's actions.

Notice: A person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court decision that has entered into legal force in accordance with the provisions of the RA Criminal Procedure Code.