A suspect has been detained after a 32-year-old man was shot on the street in Boom, in Antwerp Province. The shooting took place shortly before 8pm on Thursday on the Gevaertlaan, in Boom that is around 17km south of Antwerp. The victim sustained gunshot wounds was taken to Antwerp University Hospital (UZA) for treatment. The man’s condition is described as no longer life-threatening.
Joris Van Camp of the Rupel Local Police Service told VRT News that "Witnesses called the emergency services after hearing 2 shots being fired in the Gevaertlaan in Boom. A 32-year-old man that lives in the area sustained gunshot wounds”.
It is not yet clear how many people were involved in the shooting. One or more suspect(s) fled from the scene straight away in a van.
"Our colleagues from the Antwerp Local Police Service have recovered the van", Mr Van Camp added. The driver of the van was arrested. His involvement in the shooting is currently under investigation.
It is not yet clear whether the victim and the suspect(s) knew each other. The motive for the shoot is also yet unknown.