Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva
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Helsinki police have arrested a 20-year-old man suspected of shooting a 16-year-old boy in a residential stairwell on Mechelininkatu.
The shooting took place on Monday, 29 September, in Töölö. The victim was hit multiple times with a handgun and required hospital treatment. He survived.
The suspect was detained on Saturday evening, 4 October, in the Suomenoja area of Espoo. Officers located him in a private residence and carried out the arrest without incident.
The police have reclassified the case from attempted manslaughter to attempted murder. Investigators said the change was based on information gathered during the pre-trial investigation, which included interviews, forensic analysis, and surveillance review.
“Based on the evidence, I believe the act meets the criteria for attempted murder,” said Tuomas Lindholm, the officer leading the investigation.
According to police, the victim had left an apartment in the building to open the front door for acquaintances when the suspect appeared in the stairwell and opened fire. The boy was part of a larger group visiting the location. He did not live in the building.
The suspect fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Police did not disclose how long the suspect remained in the Espoo apartment before being arrested.
Police said the shooting was not random and are continuing to investigate the relationship between the suspect and the victim. Lindholm confirmed that the two were not related and declined to comment on whether they knew each other or had previous contact.
Authorities have not released the motive for the attack. Investigators are examining the background of both the suspect and the victim to determine any possible conflict or connection. No other suspects are being sought at this time.
Police began searching for the suspect after identifying him during the early stages of the investigation. Officers tracked his movements across the Helsinki metropolitan area, focusing on several addresses before locating him in Espoo.
Forensic teams have analysed the crime scene, including the stairwell and nearby common areas. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts were also reviewed.
No weapon has been recovered. Police have not confirmed whether the firearm used was legally owned.
The suspect is expected to remain in custody during the next stages of the pre-trial investigation. Prosecutors will decide whether to bring formal charges after reviewing the police findings. The case will move to prosecution once the investigation is complete.
The police said they will provide further updates when the case is handed to prosecutors.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
