In the Trans-Baikal Territory, authorities announced that the Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case against the mayor of the city of Sretensk. He allegedly attempted to strike police officers with an axe after being stopped for driving under the influence. The information comes from the press service of the regional government.
According to the investigation, on March 10, 2023, around 20:00, two uniformed police officers in Sretensk stopped a vehicle driven by the suspect who appeared to be intoxicated. To resist the police’s lawful demands, the head of the city settlement allegedly tried to strike the officers with an axe, the statement indicated.
One of the officers managed to seize the axe from the suspect, and the man was subsequently detained.
The city head, Yevgeny Kirgizov, allegedly drove through Sretensk while intoxicated, brandished a pistol, and pursued the occupants of a passing car, colliding with them. This information was reported by Version Evening. Another incident involved a crash on a bridge over the Shilka River.
Upon arrival, law enforcement reportedly confronted the mayor as he produced an axe from his car trunk and began to threaten the officers. He then fled the scene. The publication noted that a Stop plan could be required to apprehend him. It was claimed that Kirgizov previously served as a police officer.
Earlier reports mentioned a felled tree in Rostov-on-Don that crushed four cars. The clarification of these details remains part of ongoing investigative work as authorities gather additional evidence and interview witnesses to establish a clear sequence of events.
This case highlights tensions that can arise when a public official is involved in traffic-related offenses and clashes with law enforcement. Local authorities continue to pursue a lawful resolution and ensure accountability through formal procedures. Authorities remind residents that intoxicated driving endangers lives and will be treated as a serious offense. The investigation is being conducted by the regional Investigative Committee, with updates issued through official channels and press briefings by the regional government’s press service. The situation remains under close scrutiny as facts are verified and the legal process moves forward for all parties involved.