A Ling Thrown at Police Officers: Warning Shots Fired

Today, on June 2, gunshots were heard in the Lori region. At approximately 01:15, a patrol officer from the first platoon of the patrol service of the Lori region of the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs received a call reporting thefts occurring at building number 6 on Griboedov Street in Vanadzor.

The officer proceeded to the location and noticed a citizen near 7 Hambardzumyan Street, who was carrying a bag over his shoulder, a backpack in his left hand, and what appeared to be a ling-like object in his right hand. Upon seeing the patrol, the citizen threw the bag and backpack to the ground and attempted to flee.

The police pursued him; however, the individual not only continued fleeing but also threw the ling in the direction of the officers. As the officers continued to chase him, they instructed him to stop and comply, with one officer repeatedly warning, 'Stop or I will shoot.'

Seeing that these words did not deter the fleeing citizen, one of the officers fired several warning shots into the air. Still, the man did not comply and escaped under a vehicle parked nearby. The officers surrounded the vehicle and urged him to come out from under it.

One officer informed him that if he did not obey their lawful request to stop this time, they would fire at his feet. Following the arrival of police officers at the scene, the man threw a knife-like object toward the police and patrol officers, announcing several times, 'I surrender,' as he emerged from under the vehicle.

Note: The individual suspected or charged with a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, through a legally binding court judgment.