Albanian authorities have detained a police officer in connection with a shooting investigation in Lezhë, as four suspects from the same family remain wanted for an organized attack on a barbershop that left one person wounded.
The incident occurred on February 1, 2026, around 9:00 PM in the village of Rrilë, Administrative Unit of Shënkoll, in Lezhë municipality. The attack targeted a barbershop where barber Sokol Daci was wounded during what police describe as an organized armed assault.
Police Officer Detained for Failing to Report Crime
Prosecutor's office ordered the detention of police officer Besart Kovaçi, a general patrol officer with the Lezhë local police, on charges of "failure to report a crime." According to sources close to the Lezhë police, Kovaçi was present inside the barbershop during the attack and fired his service weapon in the direction of the attackers.
The officer was accompanied by Merando Nikulaj, nephew of Ardian Nikulaj, who is suspected to have been the primary target of the assault. The 21-year-old Nikulaj is believed to have been wounded in the shooting.
"The Special Investigation Group of DVP Lezhë, under the direction of the Prosecutor's Office, has continued intensive investigations to clarify the incident, legal documentation, identification and capture of the perpetrators."
— Lezhë Police Statement
Forensic Evidence and Security Footage
Investigators recovered 16 pistol shells from the barbershop premises, some of which are suspected to belong to the weapon used by officer Kovaçi. However, one shell that does not match the officer's weapon has raised suspicions about the use of a second firearm in the exchange of gunfire.
Security camera footage shows two vehicles arriving at the barbershop - an Audi and a Passat - from which seven people emerged before the attack. The surveillance evidence is being used by investigators to identify the perpetrators involved in the organized assault.
Four Family Members Wanted
Police have identified and issued warrants for four suspects, all from the same family, who are accused of "attempted murder." The suspects have been identified by their initials as G.N., E.N., K.N., and a fourth individual whose identity has not been fully disclosed.
The Special Investigation Group continues intensive operations to locate and arrest the wanted individuals, who remain at large following the attack.
Ongoing Investigation and Police Operations
Albanian authorities are conducting extensive searches throughout Lezhë as part of the investigation. The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a police officer who was present during the crime and the organized nature of the attack.
The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in the region, where armed attacks and family-related conflicts have periodically occurred. Police emphasize that the investigation is ongoing and that all legal procedures are being followed to ensure justice for the victims.
The detention of the police officer for failing to report the crime adds another layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about proper police procedures and the circumstances surrounding the officer's presence at the scene during the attack.
Legal Proceedings
The case is being handled under the direct supervision of the Prosecutor's Office, which will determine the final charges against all individuals involved. The wounded barber, Sokol Daci, is recovering from his injuries, while the investigation continues to piece together the full circumstances of the organized attack.
Albanian police have assured the public that they are committed to bringing all perpetrators to justice and that the investigation will be thorough and transparent.