Detention of ‘Hamer’ Driver Extended by Two Months

The driver of a ‘Hamer’ brand vehicle, Gegham Sahrahdyan, whose actions grossly violated traffic rules on the night of February 10 at Republic Square, has had his detention extended by two months. This was reported to NEWS.am by Gor Abrahamyan, spokesperson for the Investigative Committee.

The investigative body had submitted a request to extend his detention, which the court granted. The driver remains in a correctional facility.

It is worth noting that on February 10, around 11:00 PM, the driver of the ‘Hamer’ vehicle severely breached traffic regulations in the center of Yerevan, disregarding police officers' lawful demands, and drove towards police and citizens, endangering their lives and health with dangerous maneuvers. In an effort to stop the vehicle, firearms were used to target its tires.

Charges were brought against him under Articles 264 (Part 2, Clause 6), 297 (Part 1), 396 (Part 2), and 452 (Part 3) of the Criminal Code of Armenia. The driver identified as the resident of Ararat city in Ararat region is 25-year-old Gegham Sahrahdyan.

The incident has sparked public confusion and criticism over how several dozen police vehicles and officers in the city center were unable to neutralize a driver posing a threat to the public, who also hit a police officer with the vehicle.