Military officer detained in clashes with police in Ankara

Military officer detained in clashes with police in Ankara

ANKARA
A military officer who allegedly participated in the failed coup attempt in Turkey on July 15 was detained by police teams after an armed clash in Ankara on July 18. 

The incident began when police attempted to detain a suspect holding a gun in front of a hospital in Ankara. The suspect, who was identified as a military officer who allegedly participated in the July 15 coup attempt, wounded a civilian and hijacked his car. He parked the car a while later and attempted to take another car owned by local citizen Mehmet Nevzat Alkan. However, he pointed the gun at Alkan’s head and took him hostage after he could not escape further.

The suspect was detained by police after being shot. The owner of the first car later succumbed to his wounds, while two police officers were also wounded in the clashes.

Meanwhile, the Ankara Governor’s Office said in a statement that the officer was suffering from psychological problems.

In a separate clash with police in the capital, one person was killed and two others were captured during armed clashes with motorcycle police officers. 

Assailants in a vehicle on Çankırı Street opened fire on mobile police teams and an armed clash followed. One of the assailants was killed while the other two inside the car were detained.

In the early hours of the morning, an armed man was also detained after reportedly firing shots in front of an Ankara courthouse.

Special forces units were mobilized after reports of an armed man in front of the courthouse were announced over police radio. 

A total of 27 generals and admirals, including Gen. Akın Öztürk, claimed to be the mastermind behind the July 15 failed coup attempt, were in the courthouse at the time of the incident in order to testify to prosecutors.