Photo: National Police of Ukraine
The shooting in Ukraine’s Cherkasy region that left four police officers dead was carried out by a former serviceman. This was announced by Oleh Hudymа, head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Cherkasy region, during a briefing on January 27.
According to Hudymа, an investigation into the tragedy is currently underway. The attacker was neutralized during the operation. He was identified as a 59-year-old local resident and former military serviceman. However, due to the ongoing pre-trial investigation, authorities are not yet disclosing further personal details.
The incident has been entered into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations under Article 348 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (attempt on the life of a law enforcement officer). The State Bureau of Investigation will assess the legality of the police actions during the operation.
Hudymа also described how the events unfolded. During investigative actions, the suspect noticed the police and attempted to hide, fleeing from his place of residence. He then equipped himself with military gear, including a bulletproof vest and an automatic rifle, and hid in a wooded area.
While police officers were conducting a search operation to detain him, the man opened fire on them, killing four officers and wounding a fifth.
Four of the погиблі were officers of a special police unit. The fifth was a community police officer.
“They took part in repelling the armed aggression against Ukraine and were combat veterans. We express our condolences to the families and share this pain with you,” Hudymа said.
As previously reported, the tragedy occurred on January 27 in the Cherkasy region. During the daytime arrest of a murder suspect, four National Police officers were killed and another was wounded. The shooter was later neutralized by special forces.
