Explosion Sound Heard in Basement of Defense Ministry Employee's Home; Owner Suspects Intentional Act

On January 29, a 43-year-old resident of the Lori region, Samvel K., reported to the Gugark Police Department that he heard an explosion in the basement of his home at around 1:25 AM. Upon descending to the basement, he noticed that a fire had broken out, which he and others were able to extinguish.

According to shamshyan.com, an operational group from the Gugark Police Department, led by Chief Melina Yeghshatyan, responded to the scene. Samvel K. informed the officers that while extinguishing the fire, he smelled gasoline and has suspicions that the incident was deliberate. Materials are being prepared regarding the intentional destruction of property. Expertise has been appointed and the extent of the damage is being determined.

Samvel K. has also informed the police that he is an employee of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia.

Notice: A suspect or accused in a presumed crime is considered innocent until proven guilty by a court ruling that has entered into legal force in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia.