Armed Assault on Driver in Abovyan: Investigations Continue with Arrested Individuals

The investigation into the case of armed hooliganism and physical assault against a resident of Abovyan city, which occurred on Constitution Square, is ongoing at the Kotayk Regional Investigative Department of the Armenian Investigative Committee.

As previously reported, the incident took place on March 7 of this year around 19:00. It was established during the investigation that shortly before the incident, a confrontation occurred at a bus stop on Freedom Avenue in Yerevan between employees of a transportation company and a resident of the Abovyan community, identified as V.M. This altercation escalated into a brawl, which, according to gathered evidence, continued in front of a restaurant on Constitution Square in Abovyan.

Information was obtained indicating that several individuals participated in the incident, who, while showing disrespect towards the public and overtly disregarding legal and moral norms, blocked V.M.’s vehicle from two sides with their cars. While shouting insults, they struck him numerous times with their hands and feet. Additionally, one participant in the incident fired a shot at V.M. with a “Baricat $17” type pistol; fortunately, the shot missed.

Through persistent and extensive efforts by the investigative team, the identities of several individuals alleged to have beaten the victim and fired shots at him were established. Based on the acquired evidence, public criminal prosecution was initiated against four individuals within the framework of the proceedings. One of them, who is accused of firing at the victim, was charged under part 2, clause 5 of Article 195 and part 3 of Article 297 of the Armenian Criminal Code. He was remanded in custody as a precautionary measure.

Three other individuals, whose locations were determined through operational-search activities by police officers, were arrested and presented to the investigative body. They were charged under part 2, clause 5 of Article 195 and part 1 of Article 297 of the Armenian Criminal Code. Following court decisions, one of these three was also remanded in custody, while the other two were placed under house arrest. The investigation is ongoing.