A serious attempted shooting shook the city of Elbasan on Saturday, August 15, after a 50-year-old man, identified as Ermir Kërtezi, was allegedly targeted with a firearm at a café in the “28 Nëntori” neighborhood.
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| Security camera footage captured the moments a handgun jammed during an attempted shooting at a café in Elbasan (left), leading to the arrest of suspect Poli Boriçi in the police operation code-named “Reagimi” (right). |
The Attack: Gun Pointed at the Target
According to details emerging from the investigation and security-camera footage obtained from the café, the incident unfolded in a crowded setting, with numerous customers present.
The suspected attacker allegedly approached Kërtezi discreetly before pulling out a handgun and pointing it at him from close range.
The situation reportedly changed in a matter of seconds when the firearm failed to fire.
According to the available account of the incident, the weapon experienced a technical malfunction, with a cartridge becoming stuck in the chamber at the critical moment.
The failure of the firearm prevented the suspected attacker from carrying out the shooting, giving Kërtezi an opportunity to react.
Suspect Flees as Customers Panic
Security footage reportedly shows the moments immediately after the firearm malfunctioned.
Kërtezi reacted after realizing what was happening, while the suspected attacker allegedly became panicked and fled the café amid the confusion created among customers.
The incident caused panic inside the establishment, where the alleged attempted shooting had taken place in the presence of other people.
The footage is expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators as they reconstruct the sequence of events.
Police Launch “Reagimi” Operation
Following the emergency report at approximately 1:00 p.m., Elbasan police officers immediately began working to identify and locate the suspected attacker.
According to the State Police, the suspect was identified as P. B., 52, and was subsequently arrested as part of the police operation code-named “Reagimi.”
Police also located and seized the handgun allegedly used in the attempted shooting, which has been secured as material evidence for the investigation.
Prosecutor Leads Investigation Into Motive and Circumstances
Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the motive behind the alleged attack or explained whether the suspect and Kërtezi had a previous dispute or connection.
The State Police said that, under the direction of the Prosecutor's Office, investigative and procedural activities are continuing to clarify the circumstances and fully document the case from a legal standpoint.
The exact sequence of events, the motive and any possible prior planning remain matters for the ongoing investigation.
The arrest of the suspected attacker means investigators can now examine the weapon, security-camera footage and other evidence collected from the scene as they work to establish what led to the alleged attempted killing.