Arrested Police Officer in Priekule Claims No Memory of Incident; Ruks Denies Cover-Up Allegations

The State Police officer arrested on suspicion of fatally beating a man in Priekule while under the influence of alcohol has claimed to investigators that he does not remember the incident. This was revealed by State Police Chief Armands Ruks in an interview with Latvian Television's "Panorāma" program.

Ruks expressed condolences to the victim's family, describing the event as a terrible tragedy. He emphasized that the arrested officer will be held accountable according to the law.

The police chief categorically denied allegations on social media that State Police officers attempted to cover for their colleague, including by delaying alcohol tests. "I am confident in the leadership of the Kurzeme region and the precinct – no one has attempted to cover anything there," said Ruks. The State Police itself carried out the initial procedural actions and arrested the officer.

Ruks could not comment in detail on the reasons for the conflict. According to him, there were no prior indications that the officer had an alcohol addiction or other behavioral issues. He had performed his duties well. Ruks explained that every police officer must undergo an annual health check, including a psychological assessment. If colleagues notice signs of potential problems, they are required to report them.

Ruks acknowledged that in his experience, he has encountered cases where police officers committed offenses under the influence of alcohol, but he noted that such cases are not numerous and discipline has been improving each year.

It was previously reported that the arrested officer was remanded in custody by the Kurzeme District Court on Monday. The criminal case has been initiated under Section 125, Paragraph 3 of the Criminal Law – for intentionally causing grievous bodily harm, which, due to the perpetrator's negligence, resulted in the victim's death.

The arrested individual is Junior Inspector Andis Silnieks, whose position involved response functions. He has been serving in the police since September 2022 and has no disciplinary record. The victim is Normunds Vamzis, a teacher and head of the "Apparel Design" educational program at the Liepāja Music, Art and Design Secondary School.

The incident occurred during a town festival in Priekule, where a conflict broke out among several individuals, during which one man sustained bodily injuries. Emergency medical personnel attempted to assist him, but the man died in the ambulance.