The Charleroi prosecutor’s office confirmed on Tuesday that an investigation has been opened into multiple shooting incidents, including one on Monday evening on Avenue de la Gare in Marchienne-au-Pont (Charleroi), in which a man was shot at, then assaulted by suspects who remain at large.
Previous incidents involving gunfire are also under investigation, the judicial authorities confirmed.
Monday’s attack on Avenue de la Gare is related to the earlier events, the Charleroi prosecutor said.
Initial findings indicate that Monday's attack may have been a drug-related retaliation. The victim was shot at but not hit, and was later chased and struck, including with a paving stone to the forehead. His injuries are not life-threatening.
A bullet fired by the suspects became lodged in the headrest of a nearby vehicle, causing no injuries.
Authorities report that the suspects fled the scene on foot and are actively being sought.
A judge has been assigned to the case.
The Charleroi prosecutor confirmed that the Marchienne-au-Pont attack is not an isolated incident.
“Several shootings linked to drug-related reprisals have occurred in recent months in Charleroi," the prosecutor said. "Judicial authorities and police are concerned about the escalating situation and will need to allocate adequate resources to address it.”
