A Moscow court is set to review the arrest of a deaf and allegedly schizophrenic driver who ran over an elderly man in an extreme case of road rage that was captured on video and incited outrage on social networks.
The Moscow City Court will determine whether Alexander Prutyan, 33, should remain in jail or be released to undergo psychological treatment, state news service RIA Novosti reported, citing a court official.
Prutyan's father, who accompanied his son to turn himself in to police after the July 14 incident, has told authorities that his son, who is deaf and mute, has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and considered disabled since childhood, the report said. He added that his son will begin treatment immediately if he is released from custody.
While Russia, like many other countries, allows deaf people to drive, the law requires all driver's license applicants to submit a medical certificate showing that they do not suffer from a mental illness. It remained unclear how Prutyan managed to obtained a driver's license despite his schizophrenia diagnosis, or whether he was driving without a license.
The video of the road incident, captured by a dashcam in another car, showed the driver of a white BMW — who is believed to be Prutyan — running over an elderly man who approached his car to criticize his driving.
After running over the victim, whose body was smashed between two cars, the driver got out apparently to check the BMW for damage or blood smears on the white paint. He then got back inside and drove away.
Prutyan has been charged with hooliganism causing severe bodily harm and faces up to 10 years in prison, RIA Novosti reported.
See also:
Moscow Driver Shuts Up Angry Old Man by Running Over Him (Video)
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