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Authorities are investigating the death of former Police Chief Hayk Harutyunyan, who was found dead in his home in Bjni, a village in Armenia’s Kotayk Province on Monday.

The ex-officer’s body was found with gunshot wounds in the head.

In an examination of the scene, investigators have found bloodstains, a firearm next to the body and a shell. Witnesses have been questioned, the Investigative Committee said in a press release.

The investigation has revealed that the former police chief consumed a significant amount of alcohol before the incident.

Several forensic-medical examinations have been assigned.

The preliminary probe is underway, with measures being taken to ensure an objective and comprehensive examination of the circumstances surrounding Harutyunyan’s death and to check the validity of the circumstances reported in testimonies.

The Kotayk Regional Department of the Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case under Article 110 (Part 1) of Armenia’s Criminal Code (causing someone to commit suicide or attempted suicide by means of threat, cruel treatment or harassment).

Harutyunyan served as Armenia's Interior Minister from 1999 to 2003. He was Police Chief from 2003 to 2008. Later, he also headed the Penitentiary Department of the Ministry of Justice.