Authorities have discovered bullet damage on the bonnet of the Mazda rental car that was allegedly used by a 39-year-old suspect during a chase in which police killed a 24-year-old Pakistani man on January 6.
Initial examinations showed a bullet hole above the registration number near the manufacturer’s badge, which had been repaired. Evidence indicates the vehicle had been cleaned, prompting investigators to schedule a forensic examination. Investigators will conduct further analysis to determine the bullet’s trajectory.
The 39-year-old suspect, who was arrested this morning hiding in a basement in Aglantzia, is being questioned by police.
The incident occurred near the buffer zone near Potamia on January 6. Initial police reports indicated the shooting occurred while officers attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be involved in a smuggling operation. However, forensic findings suggesting the victim was shot in the back have raised questions and contradicted the initial police account.
Moreover, an initial autopsy of the man’s body ruled out foul play. A second autopsy, performed a few days later, found a bullet lodged in the man’s back. State coroner Dr Nicolas Charalambous who performed the fist autopsy has been suspended.
The victim’s body was found in a car parking in Strovolos, around 20 km away from Potamia. Questions remain on how it ended up there.
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