An 18-year-old suspect was arrested at his home Tuesday afternoon following the stabbing of a 50-year-old sex worker named Nathalie in the red-light district of Antwerp, according to local police. The victim, a Dominican national, sustained a serious knife wound to the abdomen during the attack at approximately 6:30 a.m. in the heart of the sailors’ quarter, and her vital sign stability was temporarily threatened before medical intervention.
Police Response and Investigation in Antwerp
Emergency crews rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a woman lying on the ground with a stab wound, according to Wouter Bruyns, spokesperson for the Antwerp police. Officers immediately administered first aid to the victim and maintained a perimeter to keep onlookers away. Investigators utilized closed-circuit television footage obtained by HLN to track down the assailant, who was captured on camera wearing a blue-and-white jacket, a mask, a dark beanie, and white gloves.
Authorities quickly identified the young suspect as an individual known for frequently visiting the neighborhood. Following the afternoon raid at his residence, Bruyns confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect had just turned 18 years old and that the underlying motive remains under active police investigation.
Prior Encounter in the Red-Light District
Moments before attacking Nathalie, the suspect approached another sex worker in the area around 6:00 a.m., according to her firsthand account. The woman recalled that when she asked why he was dressed strangely, the young man replied that he needed to protect himself from the workers. After she turned him away, he returned shortly after demanding sexual access and claiming there were no other women left, prompting her to refuse him a second time due to his bizarre attire.
The suspect then targeted Nathalie, stabbing her in the stomach for reasons still unknown to investigators. Following the assault, the victim was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition, though her medical status stabilized relatively quickly.
Did You Know?
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. in the center of Antwerp’s sailors’ quarter, an area frequently monitored by local authorities and security cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim of the attack in Antwerp?
The victim is a 50-year-old sex worker from the Dominican Republic named Nathalie, who sustained a severe abdominal stab wound.
When and where did the incident take place?
The assault occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the heart of the sailors’ quarter in Antwerp.
How was the suspect apprehended?
Investigators used surveillance footage to identify the 18-year-old suspect and subsequently tracked him down and arrested him at his home during the afternoon.
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