Criminal Case Opened for Hooliganism Involving Firearm Use on Riga Street in Yerevan

On August 9, 2020, at 01:25 AM, law enforcement received a report about a group of people gathering with several cars on Riga Street in Yerevan near the intersection with Arabkir 19th Street, accompanied by sounds of gunfire, as informed by the Information and Public Relations Department of the RA Investigative Committee.

An investigative-operational group that was dispatched to the scene conducted an examination, during which various caliber fired cartridges were confiscated, and blood-like traces were found, from which samples were taken.

A criminal case was initiated in the Arabkir Administrative District of Yerevan, based on Article 258 (Hooliganism) Part 4, and Article 235 (Illegal acquisition, sale, storage, transportation, or carrying of weapons, military equipment, explosive materials, or explosive devices) Part 1 of the RA Criminal Code.

During the preliminary investigation, several individuals were interrogated, and recording devices were confiscated from nearby buildings. As a result of investigative actions and operational-search measures, the identities of two participants in the incident were established; they are residents of Yerevan, aged 34 and 24. They have been arrested on suspicion of hooliganism involving the use of a firearm.

Samples of gunshot residue were taken from the 34-year-old man. The investigation is ongoing, with measures being taken to locate the firearms used in the crime, the vehicles mentioned in the report, and to ensure an objective, complete, and comprehensive examination of the circumstances of the incident, to ascertain the full range of participants, identify and evaluate each person's actions, and verify the circumstances mentioned in the testimonies.

For determining essential circumstances relevant to the criminal case, forensic ballistic and medical examinations have been appointed.

Notice: A suspect or accused in a presumed crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law, by a court ruling that has entered into legal force.