Locals say ex-military serviceman, who opened fire in the residential building, had mental health problems

As neighbors said while talking to InterPressNews, the man was undergoing treatment.

"The assailant had mental health problems and had been treated. He took his own son as a hostage, but he managed to escape. We don't know if he had anyone else at home besides his son," said one of the locals.

As a result of the incident in Sagarejo, 5 people died and 5 people were injured in the yard of a residential building.

According to the investigation, N.A. (DoB 1974) fired several shots from the balcony of one of the apartments of the residential building.

“The accused person also opened fire in the directions of the employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs up on arrival at the spot, one of whom was also killed.

Additional police teams were mobilized at the scene of the incident, as well as a special unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Upon their arrival, the accused person presumably committed suicide with a firearm.

The investigation is being conducted under Article 109, sub-paragraph "L", Article 236 part III of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which refers to premeditated murder committed under aggravating circumstances and illegal purchase, storage and carrying of firearms and ammunition”, reads the information released by the Ministry.