The administrative investigation ordered by Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis has brought to light the administrative investigation ordered by Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis regarding the circumstances under which an 18-year-old Syrian defendant managed to escape yesterday at noonfrom the police van that had transported him and other detainees to the Larnaca District Court to appear in legal proceedings against them.
READ ALSO: Police Chief Orders Investigation into the Escape of the 18-Year-Old Defendant from the “Prison Van”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The 18-year-old, along with other detainees, had been transported around 9 a.m. yesterday morning in a police van from the holding cells at the Aradippou Police Station to the courthouse. Around 12:15 p.m., after his court appearance regarding theft and burglary charges had concluded, he was taken back to the police “van,” where the other detainees were also being held.
According to reports, investigators are closely examining footage from a closed-circuit surveillance system installed in the courthouse area, which reportedly shows that the door to the holding cell was open, the 18-year-old was not handcuffed, and no police officer was present at the scene.
SEE ALSO: Defendant’s Escape: The 18-year-old who “escaped” from the court’s holding cells was involved in a fatal incident
According to reports, the 18-year-old defendant is classified by authorities as a “high-risk” individual as in November 2024 he was involved, as the driver of a stolen vehicle, in a fatal accident in which his 18-year-old female passenger lost her life. He fled the scene, was arrested, convicted, and served a prison sentence at the Central Prison. Two of his brothers, who were convicted in criminal cases, are also in the correctional facility.
READ ALSO: Larnaca is being “combed” for the 18-year-old fugitive: How he managed to escape from the police van outside the courthouse
Nearly two hours after the escape, the 18-year-old was located by members of the Bicycle Police in the center of Zinonas and arrested.
*Main photo: CNA Archive
