In Zaporizhzhia, a police officer fired his weapon during an attack (VIDEO)

At around 06:30 on 16 March, a patrol police crew received a report of a man being assaulted in the Khortytskyi district of Zaporizhzhia, along with an attempted robbery.

Upon arrival at the scene, the patrol officers located the complainant, who identified two individuals believed to be involved in the crime.

While the circumstances were being established, one of the men began to behave aggressively and failed to respond to the officers’ lawful demands to stop. According to the police, he produced an object resembling a pistol and began to reload it, whilst closing the distance.

The officer retreated to a safe distance behind cover, but the man continued to move towards him and brandished the object resembling a weapon.

In accordance with Article 46 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On the National Police’, the officer used his service firearm to avert a threat to life and health and fired two shots.

After this, one of the men fled the scene. The other attempted to use a pepper spray canister against the patrol officers and offered physical resistance. He was detained using handcuffs.

Subsequently, police officers found one of the attackers dead nearby. Law enforcement officers identified him. According to their information, he was a serviceman who had left his military unit without permission.

It is also reported that his accomplice is currently at large.

An investigative team and representatives of the State Bureau of Investigations are working at the scene. An internal investigation has been launched into the lawful use of firearms.

The circumstances of the incident are being established.