A police officer in Zaporizhzhia shot and killed an armed attacker who was identified as a serviceman who had gone AWOL from his military unit. The officer fired two shots in self-defense after the suspect pulled out an object resembling a pistol and approached threateningly.

On March 16, at about 06:30, a patrol police crew received a call reporting the beating of a man in the Khortytskyi district of the city and an attempted robbery. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the complainant, who pointed to two individuals allegedly involved in the crime.

While officers were establishing the circumstances of the incident, one of the men began behaving aggressively, ignored lawful demands from the police to stop, and pulled out an object resembling a pistol, which he began reloading.

The suspect also began closing the distance. The police officer moved to a safe distance behind cover, but the offender followed him while threatening with an object resembling a weapon.

In accordance with Article 46 of the Law of Ukraine 'On the National Police,' and to avert a threat to life and health, the officer used his service firearm, firing two shots.

After that, one of the offenders fled. The other man attempted to use a gas spray against the patrol officers and physically resisted, so he was detained using handcuffs.

Later, police found the attacker who had attempted to flee after the shots dead nearby. Officers identified him as a serviceman who had deserted his military unit without authorization.

His accomplice is also listed as AWOL.

At around 06:30 on 16 March, a patrol police crew responded to a call about an assault and attempted robbery in the Khortytskyi district of Zaporizhzhia. One attacker threatened police with an object resembling a pistol, and police used their service firearm, firing two shots. One offender died, the other was detained.

The deceased was identified as a soldier who had left his unit without permission (AWOL), and his accomplice is also AWOL.

An internal investigation has been launched into the lawful use of firearms by police.