Driss, a businessman and father from Schaerbeek, died on Sunday morning at CHU Brugmann after sustaining fatal injuries during a violent street assault. According to witnesses and local officials, the incident unfolded as the victim intervened to protect a woman from an attacker.
The Fatal Assault and Hospitalization
The aggression occurred with extreme violence, causing Driss to fall immediately to the ground where the assailant continued the attack. According to young witnesses who intervened to stop the violence, the attacker kicked the victim and sought to crush his head against the pavement. Emergency responders treated the conscious father of family near the Tilleul tram stop before transporting him to CHU Brugmann in Schaerbeek. His condition subsequently deteriorated, and he fell into a coma before passing away on Sunday morning.
Judicial Investigation and Suspect Profile
Aurélie-Anne De Vos, substitute for the King’s Prosecutor in Brussels, confirmed that the suspect has been placed under an arrest warrant and that a psychiatric expert has been appointed. Relatives of the victim stated that the assailant could be suffering from schizophrenia. Furthermore, Sudinfo confirmed that the suspect was already known to police services and the justice system, and the perpetrator has since been apprehended and placed behind bars.
Did You Know? The victim was widely respected in Schaerbeek, where he ran a business on Place Liedts and was heavily involved in the agro-alimentary sector.
Community Reaction and Local Impact
The tragedy has deeply affected the local community in Schaerbeek and the surrounding capital. Hayri Apaydin, president of the Rue de Brabant merchants’ association, lamented the death of a working merchant and pointed to ongoing security concerns in the capital. Tributes also praised the victim’s rare courage, with mourners noting that he stepped forward to defend the dignity of a woman before being struck from behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the fatal incident take place?
The aggression occurred in Schaerbeek, near Place Liedts, and the victim was treated by emergency services near the Tilleul tram stop.
What is the legal status of the suspect?
The suspect has been apprehended, placed under an arrest warrant behind bars, and a psychiatric expert has been designated by the Brussels prosecutor’s office.
How did the victim sustain his injuries?
According to witnesses, Driss intervened to stop an attack on a woman, after which the assailant struck him from behind, knocked him to the ground, and inflicted severe blows.