A 22-year-old National Guard conscript will stand trial on 13 January over an alleged attempted murder of a 47-year-old man in Larnaca’s Dromolaxia Industrial Area on 31 July.
The accused faces charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of explosives, theft, and receiving stolen goods at the Larnaca Permanent Criminal Court.
Police linked the conscript to the scene through DNA evidence from a collar that fell from the gunman during his escape, in addition to witness testimony that led to his arrest.
Videos found on his mobile phone showed he was tracking the 47-year-old target after the attempted murder, according to police sources.
The videos showed locations where the 47-year-old was moving and included descriptions. Police are investigating whether the videos were sent to anyone as they continue efforts to identify the mastermind.
Police arrested the 22-year-old on 17 November in a car park in Larnaca. Officers found a 9mm pistol, ammunition, two human-like masks, and four mobile phones at his home.
Larnaca CID obtained testimony that implicated the conscript, in which he allegedly admitted to his circle that he was the one who shot at the 47-year-old and that he had been following him in the preceding days using different vehicles.
The attempted murder took place shortly after 11am on 31 July as the 47-year-old was cycling from Dromolaxia Industrial Area towards Krasa.
At some point, he heard gunshots and saw a person on a scooter shooting towards him, according to what he told police. The suspect then left the scooter behind and fled on foot. The 47-year-old was not injured.
The accused will remain in custody until his trial begins.
Heavy security measures were in place at the court, with the accused transported to the courtroom by armed police officers and wearing a bulletproof vest.
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