Police in Lviv have detained a suspect in the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian military recruitment officer, identifying him as an inspector with the Lviv customs service, authorities said on Thursday, April 2.
The suspect, a Lviv resident born in 1991, was detained shortly after the attack as part of a police operation, law enforcement said.
The attack occurred at around 2:15 p.m. local time on Patona Street during mobilization-related activities, according to the National Police.
Police said the attacker stabbed the servicemember in the neck with a knife before fleeing the scene.
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The victim was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries despite efforts by medics.
Law enforcement launched a special operation to locate and detain the suspect, involving criminal investigators, patrol officers and other police units.
Investigators have opened a criminal case on charges of premeditated murder, which carries a sentence of 10 to 15 years or up to life imprisonment under Ukrainian law.
According to RBC-Ukraine, citing law enforcement sources, the attack may have taken place during a mobilization procedure.
Reports on social media also suggested that police officers at the scene may have been injured by pepper spray, though authorities have not confirmed this information.