Man killed by Aras officers had history of aggression, allegedly fired hunting weapon

An elderly man shot dead by Lithuania’s Aras anti-terrorist unit in Anykščiai district had a history of aggressive behaviour and is suspected of firing a hunting-style weapon at officers, police confirmed on Monday.

According to Utena County Police, officers responded to a report on Sunday evening in Sviesteliškis village that a 75-year-old man was threatening relatives with an illegally held firearm. When police arrived, the man refused to comply with orders to drop the weapon, prompting the deployment of the Aras unit.

Utena County Police Chief Renatas Vitkauskas told a press conference the man fired twice in an unspecified direction while waiting for Aras officers to arrive. Upon their arrival, he fired directly at the unit. In response, Aras officers returned fire, killing the man at the scene.

Vitkauskas said the man had previously exhibited aggressive behaviour, including conflicts with neighbours and family members, and had a firearm confiscated in the past. The weapon used in Sunday’s incident, believed to be a hunting rifle, was held illegally. Police attempted negotiation via loudspeaker, urging the man to surrender the weapon and leave the building, but he refused.

Panevėžys Regional Prosecutor Ramūnas Pačebutas confirmed a pre-trial investigation has been launched for unlawful possession of a firearm and resistance to police with threats and use of a firearm. The investigation will also examine the actions of the officers, as the use of a service weapon resulted in a fatality. The operation lasted approximately three hours, and involved officers remain on duty with psychological support provided.