A man caused widespread chaos in the Brussels suburb of Laken on Monday night, injuring seven police officers and damaging around 20 vehicles in a violent escape attempt.
Authorities were first alerted to a fight at a café on Hooba De Strooperlaan around 19:00. When police approached one of the individuals involved, he fled in a car and deliberately struck an officer, causing injury.
The suspect then led police on a dangerous pursuit through the streets of Laken. According to Brussels public prosecutor spokesperson Laura Demullier, he again intentionally drove toward officers during the chase, narrowly missing them each time.
During his attempt to evade capture, the man ran red lights, drove the wrong way down a one-way street, and collided with roughly 20 parked or moving vehicles. Residents reported hearing loud crashes and witnessing the suspect’s reckless driving.
The pursuit eventually ended when the man was apprehended, but he violently resisted arrest, injuring six more officers in the process. Demullier confirmed that seven officers were injured in total, with some unable to work for three to six days due to their injuries.
Police described the man’s actions as deliberate and extremely dangerous, emphasizing the high risk posed to both officers and civilians during the chase. Witnesses described the scene as “chaotic and terrifying” as the suspect weaved through traffic in an attempt to escape.
The suspect now faces multiple charges, including wilful obstruction of traffic, attempted manslaughter, armed resistance to authority, and public intoxication. He has been placed at the disposal of the public prosecutor’s office while investigations continue.
Authorities are reviewing security camera footage and traffic reports to determine the full extent of the damage caused during the chase. Police have also warned the public about the dangers of fleeing law enforcement and have praised the injured officers for their professionalism under extreme circumstances.
Residents in the area expressed relief that no civilians were seriously injured despite the suspect’s reckless actions, but some have called for increased safety measures and stricter enforcement against dangerous driving.
This incident highlights growing concerns about violent confrontations and public safety in urban Brussels neighborhoods, prompting authorities to review procedures for handling aggressive suspects and ensuring the safety of both police officers and the public.
Police continue to appeal for witnesses who may have captured images or video of the chase to assist in the ongoing investigation.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
