Two bullet fragment wounds to the head of a 20-year-old man—and at least 13 spent shell casings recovered from the scene—have become central to the investigation into a violent police chase that ended in Argos early Wednesday morning (8 July 2026). Authorities are working to reconstruct the exact circumstances under which the young man sustained life-threatening injuries during gunfire from officers.
Chase Ends Outside Supermarket
The high-speed pursuit, lasting more than half an hour, concluded shortly after 2 a.m. in an open area outside a well-known supermarket on the outskirts of Argos. According to preliminary reports, the 20-year-old driver had earlier attempted to ram police vehicles and officers—an allegation supported by statements from the officers involved.
Officers Fired Warning Shots
Two officers—currently under disciplinary investigation (EDÉ) and charged with grievous intentional bodily harm—told investigators they fired warning shots into the air in an effort to stop the suspect. They said they also discharged their weapons in the air at other locations where they had no visual contact with the driver, aiming solely to frighten him into stopping.
Origins of the Incident
The incident began around 2 a.m., when officers from the Mobile Immediate Action Unit (OPKE) were conducting vehicle checks in the Pyriela area of Argos. They signaled for the 20-year-old driver—a man operating a black BMW—to pull over, but he reportedly refused, accelerated rapidly, and fled. Three police vehicles immediately gave chase.
By approximately 2:35 a.m., both the suspect’s car and the pursuing police units arrived near the supermarket, where the confrontation escalated into violence.
Critical Condition
The injured man was initially treated at Thriasio General Hospital before being transferred to the KAT Hospital in Athens. His condition remains critical, and medical staff are fighting to save his life.