A house search in Lodelinsart (Charleroi) escalated on Monday morning, resulting in the death of one police officer. The perpetrator died later in the day.
A 36-year-old special forces agent, part of the Directorate of Special Units (DSU), was killed during a house search that became a shoot-out on Rue de l'Étang in Lodelinsart, Charleroi, on Monday morning. The news was confirmed by Charleroi Public Prosecutor Vincent Fiasse during a press conference at noon.
"The DSU team broke into the house at around 06:30, they immediately identified themselves as police officers," Fiasse noted. "The team first found a woman, but almost immediately after they discovered a person hidden behind a door, who was armed and shot at the agents."
Several police officers were shot. The team retreated and took measures to attend to the injured officers. The suspect was still behind the door, and the team called for backup. "The reinforcement groups entered the house round the back and discovered that the suspect had been injured. He was taken to hospital and has since died," Fiasse said. An investigation has been launched.
'Dark day'
The house search was ordered by an investigating judge of the Charleroi Public Prosecutor's office as part of a wider investigation into a criminal organisation dealing in arms, drugs and stolen vehicles.
Another officer (aged 33) is reportedly fighting for his life. A third officer (34) also sustained light injuries. "This is a dark day for the Federal Police but specifically for the Special Units teams," said Eric Snoeck Commissioner-General ad interim of the Federal Police.
"Like every morning, our people got up early this morning. One of them is not returning home, another is fighting for his life and another still has been injured. We are thinking of his family, his colleagues, and those present for whom this must have been traumatic."
The house in Lodelinsart, where a police operation on Monday morning escalated. Credit: Belga / Virginie Lefour
During the press conference, Home Affairs Ministers Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) and Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt (Open VLD) expressed their condolences to the victims and their loved ones. "We were shocked to hear of the death of our colleague this morning. We are going to do everything we can to support the victim's colleagues," Verlinden said.
She assured that assistance was provided for the officers who were present on Monday morning.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also offered his condolences on social media.
Translation: My thoughts are with the family and friends of the police officer who died in Lodelinsart. And those who are between life and death. The work of our police forces, in the service of the population, deserves respect. Targeting them is despicable and will never go unpunished.
The City of Brussels/Ixelles police zone also offered its condolences on social media to the family of the agent who died.
"We join the grief of the special units following the death of a colleague on duty in Lodelinsart. The thoughts of our police force are also with the seriously injured colleagues," they said.
This article is being updated as new information on the shooting is revealed.
