Police in France have arrested a man suspected of shooting his partner in a shop in the town of Avesnes-sur-Helpe in the Nord region. The incident occurred on Friday, February 20, around 5:30 PM. The attacker, who was under the influence of alcohol, used a hunting rifle. The woman in critical condition was airlifted to a hospital in Lille. Her prognosis remains uncertain. The prosecutor's office is investigating attempted murder, and the man is in custody.
Shop Shooting at 5:30 PM
A man in a drunken state entered a shop in Avesnes-sur-Helpe and opened fire with a hunting rifle at his partner. The incident occurred on February 20 around 5:30 PM.
Partner in Critical Condition
The injured woman was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Lille. Her condition is serious, and her prognosis is uncertain — her life remains in danger.
Perpetrator in Custody, Investigation Ongoing
The Prosecutor's Office in Avesnes-sur-Helpe is investigating attempted murder. The suspect was detained and placed in custody immediately after the incident.
Context of Marital Conflict
According to preliminary findings, the attack occurred during a period of separation for the couple. The incident fits into the problem of domestic violence, where family conflicts escalate into acts of extreme aggression.
On Friday, February 20, around 5:30 PM, a dramatic gun attack occurred in the town of Avesnes-sur-Helpe in northern France. A man in a drunken state entered one of the local shops, carrying a hunting rifle. The attacker opened fire on his partner, who was inside.
According to statistics from the French Ministry of the Interior, domestic violence is a serious social problem. Since 2019, France has introduced a series of protective measures, including restraining orders and alarm systems for victims. Despite this, thousands of serious incidents are recorded annually, some of which end tragically. The injured woman suffered serious injuries. In a state of immediate life-threatening danger, she was airlifted by rescue helicopter to the university hospital in Lille, which has a specialized trauma center. As the prosecutor's office reported on Saturday, the patient's prognosis remains uncertain.