Officer shot in Ta' Giorni no longer in critical condition
Sergeant Johann Vella remains in intensive care in a stable condition as two brothers are expected to be arraigned over Friday's shooting
The Special Intervention Unit police officer who was seriously injured in Friday’s shooting in Ta’ Giorni is no longer in critical condition.
Sources close to the investigation told Times of Malta Sergeant Johann Vella remains in the Intensive Therapy Unit at Mater Dei Hospital after being shot in the face and neck but his condition is now “stable”.
On Friday evening, police commissioner Angelo Gafà was visibly emotional as he told a press conference that the incident reminded him that “our job can be dangerous”.
A second officer, Constable Omar Sharif, was slightly injured in the incident but was discharged from hospital.
The 40-year-old sergeant is part of the anti-terrorism squad and twice a week is assigned as security detail to Judge Edwina Grima during the Yorgen Fenech trial. During Friday’s sitting, Judge Grima asked everyone in the courtroom to “pray for Johann”.
“He is unwell. He is often here with us. Pray for him," she said.
Last year, Vella, who is a qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor, was presented with the Health and Wellness Advocate Award as part of the annual Police Awards for his passionate promotion of physical and mental wellbeing.
He is also a functional training and fitness nutrition specialist.
He played a key role in integrating sports and wellness into daily police routines through regular fitness sessions.
The Malta Police Union organised a blood donation drive for Vella which attracted 149 donors on Friday and a further 98 on Saturday as colleagues, friends and strangers queued to help out.
Two brothers, 74-year-old John Agius and 68-year-old George Agius, were arrested in connection with the incident.
They are expected to be arraigned this weekend as investigations into the shooting continue.
On Friday, the police commissioner said the motive behind the shooting appears to revolve around a property dispute.
The shooting happened in Triq Joseph Carbone after two men reportedly confronted workers at a construction site.
A video showed one of the men setting fire to material beneath workers who were operating in a crane basket, apparently in protest at the ongoing construction works.
One of the suspects left the scene on a motorbike and was later arrested. The other, later identified as John Agius, remained on site.
When police officers arrived, the armed man opened fire, hitting the two officers. Police said Sergeant Vella was shot in the face and neck, while Police Constable Sharif sustained slight injuries.
The suspect was arrested following a tense operation lasting several hours. Police said trained negotiators persuaded the man to surrender peacefully.