Athens shooting: 89-year-old arrested after 5 injured

Greek police arrested an 89-year-old man on Tuesday after he allegedly shot and injured five people in two separate incidents in Athens, authorities said. The suspect’s motive was not immediately clear.

Police said the man was later found at a hotel in Patras, about 200 km (124 miles) from the capital, and was carrying a loaded .38 calibre revolver when he was apprehended.

Shots fired at Kerameikos social security office

According to authorities, the first shooting took place at a social security agency in the Kerameikos area of Athens. One employee was wounded in the leg, police said.

Officials did not provide further details on the circumstances leading up to the gunfire, and it remained unclear why the agency was targeted.

Second incident reported at Ambelokipi courthouse

Police said the suspect then traveled about 5 km (3.1 miles) to a courthouse in Ambelokipi. Four additional people were injured there, authorities said.

After the second incident, the suspect fled the scene, leaving behind a shotgun, according to officials. Police did not say whether the shotgun had been fired.

Victims’ condition and investigation

Authorities said all five victims suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. Police described the injured as one man and four women.

Investigators were working to establish the sequence of events and the suspect’s motive. Officials said the motive remained unclear as the inquiry continued.

How police located the suspect

Police said the suspect’s niece contacted authorities after recognizing him in surveillance footage. Officials did not specify where the footage was recorded or when it was reviewed.

The suspect was arrested in Patras, a city west of Athens, after leaving the capital following the shootings, police said.

Broader context on firearms in Greece

Gun violence is considered uncommon in Greece, where firearm rules are strict, according to authorities. The case drew attention because it involved multiple locations and injuries within a short distance in Athens.

Police did not release additional information on the suspect’s background or whether he legally possessed the weapons. Authorities also did not say whether any charges had been filed as of Tuesday.

The investigation was continuing, with officials expected to clarify the circumstances behind the two incidents and how the suspect moved between locations before his arrest.