Man injured after armed confrontation with police in Russia’s Birobidzhan

A man was injured in the city of Birobidzhan after a confrontation with police officers in Russia’s Jewish Autonomous Region, according to the regional Interior Ministry.

Police said the incident began when an unidentified man called emergency services claiming he had found a pistol on the street. He then threatened that if officers did not arrive and collect the weapon, he would use it.

Patrol officers were dispatched to the scene, where they encountered the caller behaving aggressively. The man allegedly pointed an object resembling a firearm at the officers and threatened to open fire.

Law enforcement officials stated that, given the immediate threat to life and health, a patrol officer fired two warning shots into the air and then discharged a shot towards the suspect in accordance with Russia’s policing law.

The man sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken to the hospital for treatment. The weapon was later seized and is believed to be a pneumatic (air) pistol.

Authorities are currently investigating all circumstances surrounding the incident.