1 police officer dead, 2 other officers injured in Charleroi house search (VIDEO)
A house search in Lodelinsart, a borough of the southern city of Charleroi (Wallonia), got out of hand today. 1 police officer was killed. Another was seriously injured. A third policeman sustained minor injuries. The officers are members of the DSU, the Directorate of Special Units. An injured suspect was also apprehended at the scene and taken to hospital where he later died.
The Charleroi public prosecutor’s office is providing more details:
“During an intervention this morning, a special forces police officer was killed,” Vincent Fiasse of the Charleroi public prosecutor’s office says. “A second officer was seriously injured and is currently fighting for his life.”
A third policeman was also injured, but his life is not in danger. “A suspect has been arrested. He is currently in a critical condition in hospital.”
The suspect later died. The head of the local public prosecutor’s office has told a new conference that the suspect opened fire from behind a closed door.
The police raid on the premises early this morning was triggered by an investigation into drug, weapons and vehicle trafficking explains Vincent Fiasse, the Charleroi prosecutor. He was speaking during a press conference at the Jumet police barracks.
As soon as special units officers entered the house, the suspect opened fire from behind a closed door, wounding the three officers. He then remained holed up in his residence.
Initially, the policemen retreated to attend to the injured officers, then reinforcements were called in, leading to the arrest of the suspect, who was injured and later died in hospital.
Black day
The Belgian home and justice ministers Annelies Verlinden (Flemish Christian democrat) and Paul Van Tigchelt (Flemish liberal) have spoken of a dark day and a nightmare.
“Today is a black day for the police. With surprise we heard about the death of our colleague this morning. Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of the victims. We will do all we can to support them,” Ms Verlinden said.
The dead officer was 36. The two other officers injured are 33 and 34.
Other police officers arrested
Three police officers belonging to the local Charleroi police service have been arrested in connection with the investigation that triggered this morning’s raid in Charleroi. The three police officers are among the suspects implicated in this investigation into drug, weapons and vehicle trafficking. They stand accused of collecting and handing on information at the request of an organised criminal organisation.
Police have cordoned off the scene.
The prosecutor’s office is heading the investigation of the incident.
Posting in French Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Flemish liberal) says his thoughts are with the family of the dead officer and injured colleagues. “The work of our law enforcers deserves respect. It is despicable to make them a target”.
