Child Shot in Rennes: Health Update and Ongoing Investigation
A five-year-old boy who was seriously injured by gunfire near Rennes, France, is showing signs of improvement, according to the Rennes public prosecutor's office. Frédéric Teillet announced on November 7, 2024, that the child's vital prognosis is no longer engaged, and he has been extubated following a gradual reduction in sedation. Despite this positive update, medical assessments indicate that the child will likely experience neurological after-effects and may face permanent disability.
The incident occurred on October 26, when the child was shot twice in the head while traveling in his father's car, which was being pursued by assailants. The child's father, who was unharmed, is known to law enforcement for various offenses, including drug trafficking, which has been linked to the circumstances of the shooting. The area where the father resides is notorious for drug-related violence, raising concerns about ongoing criminal activity in Rennes.
Investigation into Organized Crime
In light of the shooting, the Rennes public prosecutor's office has transitioned the investigation to the Rennes interregional specialized jurisdiction (JIRS), which focuses on organized crime. The investigation is now classified as an attempted murder and criminal association case. Authorities are working diligently to identify and apprehend the individuals involved in the shooting, particularly the occupants of the vehicle that chased the victim's car. The police and national gendarmerie are collaborating to pursue leads and gather evidence in this serious criminal case.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has also expressed concerns about the rise of drug-related violence in the region, specifically referencing the ongoing issues in the Maurepas district. The community remains on alert as law enforcement intensifies efforts to combat drug trafficking and associated violence.