Several shots were fired at a gas station in Riga, in Kengarags, on Wednesday. A man in an electric wheelchair opened fire on a man with whom he had a conflict. The victim, in serious condition, was taken to the hospital, where he underwent surgery.
Late in the evening, a man went with his wife to a store near a gas station on Latgales Street, 427B. At some point, while outside, a bullet flew past his companion's head, after which a real thriller began, reports the Degpunktā program (TV3).
"There were three people. One was disabled, and he had a gun. (DP: And he just started shooting?) Yes, six times. (DP: And how did he just leave?) They all ran away. (DP: Did they help him?) Yes, of course, two helped. (DP: How far were you from the epicenter?) Two meters. (DP: So close?) Yes, of course," said a witness.
The group of three men fled the scene through the streets of Kengarags. The shooter was in an electric wheelchair, but his accomplices had to put in effort, pushing and carrying him, to escape from law enforcement together.
Meanwhile, the fate of the wounded man depended on those around him. Recalling the events of the previous day, the witness still trembles and struggles to find words: "(DP: But the man who was shot seemed to think everything would be fine?) I hope everything will be fine. We helped him as much as we could on the spot, then the ambulance arrived."
The victim was taken to the hospital in stable but serious condition. The man who attempted murder has been declared wanted. He is 48 years old, and his nickname is 'Fat'.
In his social media profiles, 'Fat' posted provocative photos with knives in his hands, also posing with a baseball bat, consuming alcohol, and leading a careless lifestyle.
Notably, just a few hours before the conflict, the man posted a photo where he was drinking beer. Moreover, it was only 500 meters from the location where the shooting later occurred. It is possible that the conflict at the gas station arose under the influence of alcohol.
Aitis Chakarins, the head of the criminal police bureau of the Riga Eastern Police Department, reported that there is a version being considered, according to which the shooter was trying to steal windshield cleaning fluid, which led to the conflict, as the victim allegedly tried to detain him. The weapon was found at the scene and seized. The victim underwent surgery, and according to doctors, his life is not in danger.
After checking several addresses, law enforcement managed to find and detain 'Fat' on Thursday afternoon.
