Dispute Escalates to Gunfire: Details

The investigation into a case of hooliganism and physical assault involving a group of individuals in the Victory neighborhood of Yerevan has concluded, with charges filed against seven suspects. The case, which caused medium injuries, involved illegal possession of firearms.

According to the investigation conducted by the Investigative Committee of Armenia, on November 9, 2023, around 5:25 PM, a resident of the Victory neighborhood, referred to as A.K., was approached by D.H. and a group comprising his acquaintances and two other unidentified individuals. Their intent was to clarify a minor dispute they had with A.K. Nonetheless, the group aimed to create a climate of fear in the community, approaching A.K.'s house while shouting insults.

One of the group members, displaying blatant disregard for legal and moral norms, provocatively carried an illegally obtained firearm, further escalating the situation. D.H., aware of the presence of an AKS-74 assault rifle in a vehicle, as well as the potential for the group to use the weapons, sought to assert their dominance by engaging in an aggressive conversation with A.K.'s brother, A.H.

Ignoring the residential context and the presence of numerous bystanders, the group continued their aggressive behavior, inflicting multiple strikes on A.H. to minimize his resistance. Subsequently, to instill further fear, D.H. fired shots from the illegally held AKS-74 assault rifle and continued attacking A.H. alongside the group. As a result, A.H. sustained medium injuries that could lead to long-term health damage.

Not satisfied with their initial actions, D.H. further disregarded community norms by discharging shots from the firearm as the group left the scene. Additionally, during the same altercation, three group members and another unknown individual launched an assault against a neighboring resident, diminishing his resistance and causing him physical harm.

The investigation also uncovered evidence that one group member had unlawfully possessed 12 rounds of 5.45mm ammunition for AK-74 rifles and RPK-74 machine guns, which were discovered during a search conducted by the authorities.

Based on the collected evidence, charges were filed against D.H. under Article 297, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, and various charges against other members of the group under multiple articles. Different measures of restraint have been chosen for the accused, including detention for one individual, administrative supervision for another, and house arrest for five individuals. A search warrant has been issued for one person. The preliminary investigation for the seven accused has been completed, and the case files have been sent to the supervising prosecutor for approval and court submission.