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89-year-old gunman taken to court to testify
🇬🇷 Greece /Crime & Justice

89-year-old gunman taken to court to testify

From Ta Nea · (8m ago) Greek Critical tone

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • An 89-year-old man, who allegedly opened fire at the Athens courthouse and a tax office, has been arrested in Patras.
  • The suspect is accused of attempted serial murder and illegal weapons possession, facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.
  • He reportedly claimed he acted out of desperation and intended to apologize to those injured, stating he fired at the ground.

The dramatic events unfolding at the Athens courthouse and the EFKA offices have sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting a desperate act by an elderly man. Our legal correspondent reports from the former Evelpidon School that the 89-year-old gunman, now in custody, faces serious charges including attempted serial murder. His defense attorney claims his client acted out of sheer desperation, intending to seek forgiveness from those injured in the shooting. The accused allegedly fired at the ground, a claim authorities are investigating as they piece together the timeline of these shocking attacks.

My client intends to ask for a public apology from the EFKA employee and the four judicial employees who were injured by the pellets.

— V. NoulézasThe defense attorney of the accused stated his client's intention to apologize to the injured.

The suspect's flight to Patras after the incidents, and his subsequent apprehension, paints a picture of a man on the run, possibly seeking to escape the country. Police in Achaia, acting on intelligence from Athens, swiftly apprehended him at a hotel. Eyewitness accounts from police describe a surprisingly calm demeanor, with the suspect even smiling and remarking that he would be in the news. He reportedly admitted to having issues with his social security and insurance, suggesting a potential motive rooted in bureaucratic frustration.

From the first moment the bloody episode occurred in Athens, there was constant communication between the Attica and Patras services, as there was information that the perpetrator might head to our city and perhaps attempt to escape through the port to Italy.

— Charis TsitsikasA member of the Board of Directors of the Achaia Police Officers Association described the moments of the 89-year-old's arrest in Patras.

This incident, while seemingly isolated, raises profound questions about the pressures individuals face and the extreme measures they might resort to. The legal system is now tasked with navigating the complexities of this case, balancing the severity of the alleged crimes with the suspect's age and stated motivations. As the investigation continues, the nation watches, hoping for a swift resolution and a clear understanding of how such events can transpire.

When the suspect came down to the lobby, I immobilized him from behind and told him I was a police officer. He was cooperative, sober, and smiling.

— Charis TsitsikasThe police officer described the arrest of the 89-year-old in Patras.
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Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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