In the city of Storozhynets, Chernivtsi region, an attack on police officers using an explosive device occurred on the evening of February 19. Two law enforcement officers were injured, and the attacker was detained.
At around 10:50 p.m., the 102 hotline received a report that an unknown man had thrown a grenade at a police car with police officers nearby. After the explosion, the attacker fled.
Two police officers were injured in the incident. A 23-year-old patrol police response officer is in hospital in serious condition — doctors are fighting for his life. A 31-year-old police driver from the Chernivtsi region security police department received minor injuries, but his life is not in danger.
The head of the Main Police Department in Chernivtsi region, Viktor Nechytaylo, reported that after receiving the signal, a special police operation was immediately launched. Criminal investigation officers, investigators, explosives technicians, dog handlers, patrol crews and KORD special forces were involved in the search for the attacker. The suspect was identified and detained that same evening.
According to Nechytayl, during the detention the man tried to use an object resembling a grenade again. During a search of his car, explosives were found.
The detainee was a 48-year-old resident of Storozhynets, a former military man. He was detained in accordance with Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. Weapons and ammunition were seized during a search of his residence.
The actions of the defendant were qualified under Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal handling of weapons) and Article 348 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (attempt to kill a law enforcement officer).
The Head of the Security Police Department, Police Colonel Oleksiy Bereznevych, emphasized that an attack on law enforcement officers while performing their duties is an attack on state security and will have a fundamental legal assessment.
“ Any attack on a police officer is a challenge to the state. We will ensure the inevitability of punishment ,” he said.
Law enforcement officers continue to work in an intensified mode and urge citizens to report suspicious objects or persons.
