He was ultimately arrested shortly after 16:30. The 89-year-old had spread terror at EFKA and the Court of Appeals on Tuesday morning (April 28).

The Hellenic Police (ELAS) had launched a manhunt in Athens, in Kalamata (his place of origin), as well as at KTEL bus terminals and railway stations. They eventually tracked him down at a hotel in Patras, where he had arrived by taxi.

According to information, he was found near the KTEL station, carrying a loaded .38 revolver.

Police sources say that authorities in Patras had been on alert shortly after he was not found in Athens, as one scenario under examination suggested the 89-year-old intended to flee to Italy and then travel to France—specifically Strasbourg—regarding an issue with his pension, which he claimed he was not receiving.

The man reportedly took a taxi the day before the bloody incident, heading again to the Court of Appeals on Loukareos Street, and told the driver: “You’ll see tomorrow what I’m going to do.” The elderly man is said to be a scrap collector and had recently been staying with his niece.

His movements
After opening fire with a shotgun in his possession and injuring an employee, he left the EFKA building in Kerameikos quickly, as seen in video footage.

Shortly afterward, the perpetrator arrived at the Court of Appeals on Loukareos Street and opened fire, injuring four female clerks of the Court of First Instance.

At both the EFKA building in Kerameikos and the Court of Appeals on Loukareos Street, no one stopped him to carry out a check.

The 89-year-old had planned the shootings
Meanwhile, the 89-year-old—who caused panic and terror in central Athens—had visited a mini market the previous afternoon. Reports say he arranged a taxi appointment there to go to EFKA today.

The shop he used to make the call is located in Ano Patisia, where he had been staying recently with his niece, who was also the one who informed authorities of his identity. According to information, the elderly man did not own a mobile phone and made his calls from various shops.

According to ELAS sources, the 89-year-old had planned the two attacks he carried out on April 28 at the EFKA offices and the Court of Appeals. After the attack at the Court of Appeals on Loukareos Street, he left behind several letters addressed to newspapers.

Specifically, he left an envelope with the following message written on the outside:
“25-4-2026. You will read in the newspapers, the thick file with over 150 documents, tomorrow.”

After this message, he listed the names of four newspapers and signed with his name and the area where he resides.