According to a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), the attackers have criminal records and are the subject of national search warrants for the formation of a criminal gang specialising in theft with violence and drug trafficking.
The same source indicated that, within the framework of field interventions undertaken by security services with a view to fighting crime, the services of the provincial security district in Berrechid intercepted, on Wednesday evening, a light vehicle travelling at high speed at the level of one of the city's peripheral neighbourhoods with 4 people on board. The latter, who refused to comply with the security elements' orders to stop to verify their identity, attempted to flee after showing strong resistance, the source added, specifying that a puncture of the vehicle's tyres forced them to stop and attack the police officers using bladed weapons (large sabres) and a tear gas canister.
At that moment, three people armed with bladed weapons arrived in another car to lend a hand to the attackers, the statement added, indicating that a police officer from the motorcycle brigade who was forced to fire warning shots in the direction of one of the cars was seriously injured by the attackers.
To defend his colleague, another police officer fired into the air to dissuade the suspects, before being forced, in the face of their persistence, to fire a second shot that hit one of them in the thigh, following which the latter was evacuated to the hospital to receive the necessary care, the same source continues.
During this operation, the same source adds, two suspects were arrested. The first was placed in police custody while the second, injured, was placed under medical supervision. Six large sabres and a tear gas canister were seized, as well as a large quantity of stones suspected of being used in acts of theft and highway robbery.
An investigation has been opened in coordination with the public prosecutor's office at the Court of Appeal of Settat with a view to apprehending the other attackers, the same source notes.
News 13 Apr 2012 2 min read
Faced with attackers armed with bladed weapons and tear gas canisters: Two police officers forced to use their service weapons
Police elements were forced to use their service weapons, on Wednesday evening, in the provincial security district in Berrechid, against individuals who attempted to attack security agents using bladed weapons and tear gas canisters.
