A ballistic examination is expected to play a crucial role in determining the circumstances surrounding the police shooting that left a 20-year-old man critically injured following a vehicle chase in the Greek city of Argos.
The investigation is focusing on the location where the shots were fired, with forensic experts expected to determine the trajectory of the bullets, the distance from which they were fired and whether the young man may have been struck by a ricochet. According to reports, at least 13 shell casings were recovered from the scene.
Ballistic Tests Key to Investigation
Authorities are examining evidence from the area where the incident unfolded, including bullet marks visible on a wall the 20-year-old attempted to climb while trying to flee.
According to reports, the two police officers involved told investigators they fired warning shots into the air from a position where they did not have direct visual contact with the suspect. Ballistic experts will now assess whether that account is consistent with the physical evidence.
The bullet that struck the 20-year-old in the head is also undergoing forensic examination. There are also reports suggesting he may have suffered a second gunshot wound to the head.
20-Year-Old in Critical Condition
The injured man is being treated in the intensive care unit of KAT Hospital after being transferred from Thriasio Hospital.
Doctors at Thriasio performed emergency surgery but were unable to remove the bullet from his head. Initial clinical assessments reportedly indicated that he was brain dead. However, the president of the Panhellenic Federation of Public Hospital Employees (POEDIN), Michalis Giannakos, later said the patient remains in extremely critical condition but is not brain dead.
How the Incident Unfolded
The incident began in the Pyrgela area when police attempted to stop a vehicle for inspection. According to police, the driver failed to stop, triggering a pursuit that lasted approximately 35 minutes through the Argos area.
Police said the suspect attempted to ram police vehicles and officers during the chase. The pursuit ended near a supermarket after the vehicle was brought to a stop.
As the 20-year-old tried to escape by climbing over a wall, officers opened fire, striking him in the head.
A replica air gun was reportedly found at the scene and has been sent to forensic laboratories for examination.
Officers Face Criminal Charges
The two police officers involved in the shooting have been arrested and charged with attempted murder. They have requested and been granted additional time before appearing before an investigating magistrate.
The results of the ballistic examination are expected to be central to establishing exactly how the shooting occurred and whether the officers’ account matches the forensic evidence.
