A suspect has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in Tbilisi’s Vera district that left one minor dead and three other people wounded, including another minor, Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs announced.
Police said the incident took place on July 22, when the suspect allegedly opened fire with a firearm, injuring four people before fleeing the scene. All four victims were taken to hospital for emergency treatment, but one of the injured minors died shortly after being admitted.
The investigation is being conducted under Article 19-109 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which covers the attempted intentional murder of two or more persons under aggravating circumstances and carries a sentence of up to 20 years or life imprisonment.
Based on an information obtained by InterpressNews, the shooting was allegedly preceded by an argument between the suspect’s mother and a group of young people. The dispute reportedly began after the woman confronted the group because their car was parked in front of the family’s home after they had left a nearby café.
The report says the suspect then allegedly opened fire on the vehicle. Three of the four people inside the car were struck by bullets, while the driver escaped injury.
A fourth victim was reportedly a taxi passenger who was hit by a stray bullet while passing through the area.
The Interior Ministry said the suspect was apprehended shortly after the shooting during operative measures and investigative actions carried out in hot pursuit. The Ministry says the suspect offered armed resistance during the arrest and sustained injuries to his fingers. He was subsequently transferred to a medical facility.
Earlier reports from the scene indicated that several people had been injured in the shooting before authorities officially confirmed the number of victims and the fatality.
