In Argos, a ballistic investigation is now central to the case surrounding the fatal police shooting of a 20-year-old man during a high-speed chase. Prosecutors are expected to upgrade the charges against the two officers involved from involuntary manslaughter to homicide with possible intent — a significant legal shift reflecting growing scrutiny over the use of lethal force.
Officers Claim Warning Shots, But Evidence Raises Questions
The officers maintain they fired only warning shots into the air to halt the suspect, who allegedly ignored repeated visual and auditory signals to stop for inspection. According to their statement during interrogation, they intended only to intimidate — not injure or kill. ‘We deny any intention to harm. We fired to frighten. We never wanted to hurt him — let alone kill him. It was a terrible moment. We deeply regret it,’ they told investigators.
Yet those claims failed to convince the examining magistrate and prosecutor, who ordered their pre-trial detention. Both officers have since been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Medical and Ballistic Findings Awaited
Konstantia Dimoglidou, spokesperson for the Hellenic Police (ELAS), spoke to MEGA on Monday, 13 July 2026, confirming that forensic and ballistic reports are still pending. These findings — including which firearm discharged each shot and the trajectory and angle of the bullet that struck the young man in the head — are expected to clarify whether the use of force was justified.
Notably, at least 21 rounds were fired. The victim, who was autistic, was critically wounded and died days later despite intensive medical efforts.
Key Uncertainties Remain
Authorities are also investigating whether the officers knew the identity of the person they were pursuing. Dimoglidou noted they were unaware the driver was the registered owner of the vehicle — the car was instead registered to a family member. This raises questions about the basis for the pursuit and the decision to escalate to gunfire.
‘It’s crucial — once the ballistic report is complete — to determine exactly which weapon fired which round, how the firearms were deployed, and whether such use was legally justified,’ Dimoglidou emphasized. ‘The charge of homicide with possible intent means the court must assess whether the officers should have foreseen that their actions could result in serious injury or death — in this case, to a 20-year-old civilian.’