In Astrakhan, investigators have no claims against girlfriend of the suspect of hostage-taking

According to Andrei Khegai, the spokesman of the Investigatory Department for the Astrakhan Region, the girlfriend of Alexander Kuptsov, suspected of hostage-taking, figures in the case only as a victim; there are no claims against her. She continues her training at the college, said Polina Epifanova, the pro-rector of the college.

According to her story, the incident occurred when the college was at classes. "This guy went up to the watchman, and, without introducing himself, immediately demanded to accompany him to the class, where a lesson of English was given and where his girlfriend was present. He threatened the watchman with a pistol. It was only later that we learned that it was a fake pistol," said the pro-rector.

She added that Kuptsov released all the students, leaving the English teacher, the watchman and two girls in the classroom; one of them – his girlfriend, whom he dated recently.

An operative-investigatory unit arrived at the venue; they started negotiations with Kuptsov that lasted for about two hours. "At first he demanded pizza and drinks; this demand was fulfilled. Then, he demanded a black jeep to the college, 50,000 roubles and a free exit out of town. As it turned out later, he wanted to leave Astrakhan together with his girlfriend," said Andrei Khegai, the spokesman of the above Investigatory Department.