Police have arrested a third suspect in connection with an attempted murder and arson attack that occurred on 14 August at Pyla coastal road.
Larnaca CID officers arrested a 44-year-old man currently serving time at Central Prison, who is suspected of involvement in the criminal operation that placed police on high alert. The suspect is expected to appear before court today for a remand hearing.
Police conducted a search of the convict’s cell under judicial warrant and seized evidence, according to authorities. The arrest marks the third detention in the case, with police stating that additional suspects remain at large.
Convict arrested in connection with Pyla shooting case
On Wednesday, Larnaca District Court remanded a 27-year-old man for eight days under heightened security measures implemented by special police units. Only journalists were permitted access to the courtroom proceedings.
The 27-year-old appeared without legal representation and did not contest the detention order. He faces charges including conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit felony, attempted murder, arson, illegal possession of firearms, illegal possession of explosives, and receiving stolen goods.
Police arrested the suspect after 7:00 PM on Tuesday following an extensive operation in Anavargos village, Paphos. Authorities believe he served as an intermediary in the criminal chain, purchasing a vehicle from an 18-year-old man currently in custody and delivering it to other individuals hours before the attack.
Court remands suspects as police search for weapon and vehicle
Court proceedings revealed that investigations continue across three districts, with police searching for the vehicle involved in the crime and the pistol used in the shooting incident.
The case began unravelling following the chance arrest of the 18-year-old man on 21 August, when he was discovered driving another stolen vehicle in Paphos. The suspect had been wanted in connection with the Pyla case since 18 August but had evaded capture.
Court documents indicate the 18-year-old allegedly stole a vehicle from Kolossi on 13 August, one day before the attempted murder. Police observed him driving the stolen vehicle in Paphos two hours later.
At 3:30 AM on 14 August, the stolen vehicle was used to transport three perpetrators to the crime scene. Police examinations showed the passenger exited the vehicle carrying a pistol, which he fired towards a security guard. The bullet passed beside the guard and embedded in a column.
A person seated in the vehicle’s rear doused four rental company cars with petrol and set them alight, according to police evidence.
Organised crime links
Police are investigating whether the 18-year-old served as the vehicle’s driver, a possibility his legal counsel denied in court, claiming the client was not in Cyprus during the incident. The 18-year-old remains under eight-day detention.
Authorities recovered closed-circuit television footage from the area showing the perpetrators’ movements. The suspects had covered their faces during the operation.
Police believe the criminal action connects to another vehicle arson incident in Aradippou on 15 August, when a 42-year-old man’s car was set on fire.
Police are investigating the case.
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