Pursuit with gunfire in Argos: Two police officers arrested
The 20-year-old driver is in hospital in a state of brain death in the intensive care unit. The two police officers from OPKE involved are facing charges of attempted murder with possible intent.
Pursuit with gunfire in Argos: Two police officers arrested
Authorities have proceeded with the arrest of two police officers from the Crime Prevention and Suppression Unit following an incident involving multiple shots during a pursuit in Argos. The 20-year-old driver who came under fire is now hospitalised intubated and in a state of brain death in the intensive care unit of KAT Hospital.
The incident began at around 2 a.m. on Wednesday in the Pyrghela area. According to the official account from the Hellenic Police, the officers were conducting a vehicle check when they signalled a car to stop. The young driver did not comply, accelerated and attempted to escape. The pursuit lasted approximately 35 minutes.
The two uniformed officers claim that the shots they fired were warning shots and were intended to stop the vehicle. Nevertheless, the young man sustained fatal head injuries. Medical sources report two injuries from bullet fragments to his head. At least 13 cartridge cases were found at the scene.
The two defendants are facing serious charges of attempted murder with possible intent. Should the 20-year-old succumb to his injuries, the charges may become even more serious. On Friday they are expected to make statements before the investigating authorities.
It is noted that the car was registered to a woman of Russian origin, who was subsequently established to be the driver's mother. The prosecuting authorities had formed the impression that the young man may have been involved in burglaries or attacks on cash-dispensing machines. He had also come to the attention of authorities previously when a search of his vehicle had found items such as brass knuckles, a baton and a torch similar to those used by patrol cars.
The investigation continues with ballistic examination, whilst at least six bullet holes have been found in an abandoned building where the young man attempted to hide during the pursuit. At the same time, a sworn administrative investigation has been ordered into the incident.
Source: Newspaper of Editors
Source: Efimerida ton Syntakton