Two police officers from the Mobile Immediate Action Unit (OPKE) appeared before the investigating magistrate at the Nafplio courthouse on Saturday, 11 July 2026 — one day after requesting a 24-hour extension to prepare their statements. They are facing charges related to the shooting of a 20-year-old man during a high-speed chase in Argos in the early hours of Wednesday, 8 July 2026.
Charges and Ongoing Investigations
The officers have been formally charged with attempted homicide with possible intent committed in a calm mental state, as well as violations of Greece’s firearms legislation. In addition to the judicial investigation, an official sworn administrative inquiry is underway by the Hellenic Police (EL. AS).
Officers’ Claim and Forensic Analysis
The officers maintain they fired their weapons to intimidate, not to injure or kill. Ballistic analysis is currently underway to determine whether the shots were deliberately aimed to miss — a practice known in Greek legal terminology as exostrikismos (intentional non-lethal firing).
Critical Condition of the Victim
The young man remains in critical condition, intubated and receiving intensive care at the KAT General Hospital in Athens after being struck in the head by multiple bullets during the pursuit. According to reports, he was hit by 13 rounds fired by police officers.
Video Evidence Released
News website newsit.gr published video footage documenting the chase, showing patrol cars pursuing the suspect’s vehicle moments before the shooting occurred.