VIDEO: Pursuit and Gunfire in the Capital; Police Officer Hospitalized

On June 23, at 15:55, the Erebuni Medical Center reported to the police division of Erebuni. Following an accident on Arin Berd Street, an ambulance team transported a police officer to receive medical assistance. This was announced by the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

“On June 23, at 14:00, police officers on duty on Arshakunyats Avenue noticed a Nissan vehicle with heavily tinted windows. The officers instructed the driver to stop using a loudspeaker, but the driver continued toward Tamantsi Street. There, the Nissan came to a stop, and a police officer attempted to approach the vehicle. At that moment, the Nissan driver abruptly took off and fled, prompting the police officers to request additional units via radio.

Driving recklessly and violating public order, the Nissan driver reached the Artashat Highway, then changed direction toward Arin-Berd Street, where he deliberately collided with a responding police vehicle and once again fled the scene. The injured 33-year-old officer was taken for medical aid, while the other police unit continued the pursuit of the reckless driver.

In order to prevent possible consequences from the driver’s erratic behavior and disorderly conduct, the pursuing officer fired his sidearm toward the Nissan's tire; however, this precautionary measure proved ineffective. Continuing to drive erratically, the Nissan driver entered Mantashyan Street, where he collided with an Opel vehicle and was forced to stop.

At 14:45, the driver was arrested on the basis of reasonable suspicion of obstructing lawful police activity and deliberately hitting both the police and civilian vehicles. The driver's identity was established as a 23-year-old resident of Mantashyan Street. The young man and the relevant documentation were presented to the investigative division of Erebuni and Nubarashen administrative districts. He was taken to a detention facility, and the Nissan was moved to a secured area. The circumstances of the incident are being clarified within the framework of the initiated criminal proceedings.