Suspect Arrested in Armed Attack in Çatalköy Appears in Court

During the court hearing, police officer Cemal Şanlıer from the Kyrenia Criminal Investigation Department testified, providing details about the case. Şanlıer stated that on May 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM, the incident occurred on Mersinli Street in Çatalköy, where the suspect, Görkem Mete, fired shots at a vehicle parked in the garden of a house belonging to N.I., using a firearm that he was unlawfully carrying.

THE DAY HE ENTERED THE COUNTRY

The police confirmed that the suspect had entered the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on the same day, May 11. The motive behind the shooting at the vehicle in the garden has not yet been determined. Officer Şanlıer further stated that the suspect was apprehended within 40 minutes after fleeing in a taxi and that he voluntarily confessed, indicating that he had thrown the gun and his clothes into a stream after the shooting.

THE GUN USED IN THE INCIDENT WAS SEIZED AS EVIDENCE

Police stated that they recovered one Austrian-made Glock pistol, two socks, and one t-shirt from the location where the suspect had pointed out. The firearm was sent for ballistic examination, and the suspect's voluntary statement will be verified. The police requested the suspect be kept in custody for three days for investigative purposes.

Prosecutor Ali Hidayet, speaking during the hearing, noted that the shooting was the fourth time such an incident had occurred in the Kyrenia District Court during the 2025-2026 Judicial Year. He stated that the requested duration of detention was crucial for the investigation's resolution.

“I REGRET WHAT I DID”

During the hearing, Görkem Mete expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I wish I hadn’t done it.”

Judge Evren Mürsel, evaluating the testimony, acknowledged the seriousness of the investigation and deemed the requested three-day detention reasonable, approving the request for the suspect to remain in custody.