Police detain a man after shooting in Marks, Saratov region
In the city of Marks, a town in the Saratov region, authorities reported that a man opened fire, wounding several people and triggering a swift response from local police. Eyewitnesses described a scene near Victory Park where panic and confusion spread as shots rang out. The incident prompted a large-scale security operation and a rapid mobilization of law enforcement across the region, with ongoing efforts to locate the gunman and secure the area. This account draws on reports from Mash, a Telegram channel cited by local news outlets.
The suspect, later identified as Rubik Hakobyan, a 41-year-old resident, was found hiding in his home. When security forces moved in to arrest him, Hakobyan barricaded himself inside the apartment. Special operations officers from SOBR knocked on the door, and after a tense stand-off, the man was taken into custody and detained for questioning as detectives started to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the attack. The operation reflected the coordinated response of regional security services aimed at preventing further danger to residents. (Mash)
Initial information suggested that relatives of the suspect might have attempted to intervene, but investigators later stated there was no evidence to support that claim. In the images released from the scene, Hakobyan is seen near his apartment building second-guessing his actions, and, at one point, walking barefoot along a road as onlookers watched. The footage underscored the chaos that followed the early hours of the incident and the challenges for first responders who arrived after the shots were fired. (Mash)
On November 24, authorities announced the activation of regional security measures under the Stop plan as part of the immediate response to the shooting. The move reflected the scale of the operation and the commitment to locate the gunman and secure nearby streets while examinations and interviews with witnesses continued. Residents were urged to remain calm as investigators pieced together the motive and the sequence of actions that culminated in the event. (Mash)
Eyewitnesses reported that the shooting occurred near Victory Park, with the attacker driving away from the scene and a subsequent search operation unfolding across the city and surrounding areas. As officers pursued leads, residents described hearing alarms and seeing emergency crews sweep the area, particularly along major thoroughfares connected to the park and surrounding neighborhoods. The pursuit highlighted the unpredictable dangers of urban traffic disputes escalating into gun violence. (Mash)
Officials have described the conflict as arising from a traffic confrontation in which a black Land Cruiser blocked the path of another vehicle of foreign manufacture. In the ensuing moment, the driver reportedly drew a firearm, leading to casualties and a rapid police response. One person did not survive the injuries sustained during the incident, while others suffered injuries of varying severity. Investigators are examining surveillance footage and gathering testimonies from witnesses to determine the exact chain of events and identify all participants. (Mash)
The investigation confirmed Hakobyan as the suspect connected to the traffic dispute and the vehicle involved—the black Land Cruiser. He had been seen operating the vehicle during the incident and after his arrest, investigators began reviewing his movements and interactions with others in the moments leading up to the confrontation. The case remains under active inquiry as authorities verify details and pursue additional lines of inquiry to clarify motives and potential accomplices. (Mash)
Footage circulating online shows the Oka vehicle that played a role in the broader context of tensions within the Saratov region. Law enforcement has emphasized the importance of verifying such material and ensuring that verified information is shared with the public to prevent the spread of rumors while the formal inquiries proceed. The community awaits further official updates as investigators work to reconstruct the events with precision. (Mash)