Investigation Launched into Police Officer's Death in Yerevan

The Investigation Committee of Armenia is conducting an inquiry into the circumstances of an attack against members of the Armenian Police in the Kanaker-Zeytun administrative district.

Preliminary reports indicate that on October 16 at 04:20, the "Saint Grigor Lusavorich" Medical Center reported receiving a patient identified as Tigran Arakelyan, born in 1981, with a diagnosis of "biological death, gunshot wound to the left arm," as well as another patient, A. Hakobyan, born in 1994, with a "laceration wound to the top of the skull." Immediately, an investigative-operational group was dispatched to the scene.

It was established that the individuals admitted to the hospital were police officers who, on the same day around 03:40, while performing their duties near the entrance of the "Victory" park, noticed two individuals. Upon seeing the police patrol car, these individuals attempted to flee. The police pursued them and apprehended them on Freedom Boulevard. During the attempt to escape, one of the detained individuals seized a firearm from one of the officers, struck A. Hakobyan in the head, and shot T. Arakelyan in the left arm, who sustained fatal injuries.

A criminal case has been initiated under the first part of Article 238, the second part of Article 316, and the first part of Article 104 of the Armenian Criminal Code. An investigative group has been established, and an investigative plan has been formulated. The scene of the incident was examined, resulting in the discovery of one cartridge and one bullet, as well as blood-like traces, and samples were collected. The clothing worn by the deceased at the time of the incident, which had blood-like traces, was confiscated. Expert examinations have been scheduled to clarify significant circumstances relevant to the criminal case.

The pre-trial investigation continues. Urgent investigative and operational-search measures are being undertaken to clarify the circumstances of the incident, identify those responsible for the alleged crime, and assess their actions from a legal standpoint.

Notice: A person suspected or accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia.