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Suspect In Belgorod Killings Apprehended

Updated

Police inspect the body of one of the gunman's victims.
Police inspect the body of one of the gunman's victims.
Police in the southwestern Russian city of Belgorod say they have caught the prime suspect in the April 22 killing of six people.

According to ITAR-TASS, the local branch of the Interior Ministry reported late on April 23 that Sergei Pomazun was apprehended while trying to flee the city by hiding aboard a cargo train.

He reportedly resisted arrest, attacking police with a knife. One policeman was injured trying to apprehend Pomazun and was being treated for knife wounds in a hospital.

Investigators say Pomazun was attempting to rob a sporting goods store on April 22 when he opened fire, killing three store employees.

Sergei Pomazun
Sergei Pomazun
Investigators said Pomazun then stole at least one weapon and some ammunition and ran out of the store, fatally shooting two passers-by, both teenage girls, then got into a BMW car he took from his father, drove up on the sidewalk trying to escape, and shot dead another male passer-by.

The car was later found abandoned.

The Interior Ministry said some 2,000 members of law enforcement agencies participated in the hunt for Pomazun and added that authorities in nearby areas of Ukraine were informed to be on the lookout for the suspect.

Investigators were set to question him.

Pomazun will then be sent for a psychiatric examination to determine if he is fit to stand trial.

He faces multiple charges of homicide, possession of a weapon, theft of a weapon through use of force, and an attempt on the life of law enforcement officers.

Pomazun could be imprisoned for life if found guilty of the charges.

A Belgorod court is due to review the charges against Pomazun on April 25.

Pomazun’s capture came as Belgorod marked a second day of mourning for the victims of the shootings.

The first funerals were also held for some of the victims on April 23.

Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS and Interfax
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