TBILISI, DFWatch–A Russian citizen who was detained for shooting a cop in Batumi is suspected of murdering a Russian diplomat in Abkhazia on September 9.

According to Russian channel NTV, Yusuf Lakayev is suspected of murdering the Russian envoy to the breakaway republic Dimitry Vishernev.

NTV reports that Lakayev, a native of Chechnya, arrived in Georgia from Abkhazia. He was planning to leave Batumi with the help of two Georgians, who were also detained, and travel to Turkey illegally. All of them are currently being held in pre-trial detention.

Lakayev started shooting at the police after being asked for identity papers. One policeman and a civilian were wounded. The police shot back and wounded Lakayev.