Montpellier Shooting: Four Arrested in Airbnb Attack on Young Couple

MONTPELLIER, ​France (AP) — A romantic getaway turned violent for ⁤a young couple in Montpellier when their Airbnb apartment became the target of gunfire early on‍ May⁣ 2. Police have arrested ‍four men from the ‍Grenoble region ⁢in connection with the incident ​and ⁣placed them in custody.

the victims, an 18-year-old woman from Romans-sur-Isère and her 23-year-old boyfriend ​from Grenoble, were staying at a residence ⁤on the Ganges route when the attack ⁣occurred,⁤ according to Le Dauphiné.

Details of the Attack

The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. The couple,returning from an evening ⁣out,noticed ⁣signs of forced ​entry at their apartment door.‌ Shortly after entering,​ three masked individuals reportedly forced their way inside.The couple sought refuge in the ‌bathroom, where one of the assailants opened fire through⁣ the door. Two bullets penetrated the door, but neither ‌victim‌ sustained ⁣injuries.

Prior Threat and ⁣Swift Arrests

Hours⁢ before the shooting, the ⁣young⁤ woman received an anonymous and alarming ​message stating, “We know ‌where⁤ you are.” This chilling‌ warning preceded the attack,​ suggesting premeditation. The assailants fled the scene in a dark-colored vehicle.

Law enforcement utilized video surveillance footage ⁤from⁣ a parking ⁤area north of Montpellier to locate the suspect⁢ vehicle. They apprehended the ⁣four occupants. ‍A search of a ​nearby garbage room​ revealed ‌a bag containing hoods and gloves, further linking the‌ individuals to the crime.

Possible Motives and ongoing Investigation

Sources close to the⁢ investigation suggest a possible motive of a‍ commissioned act, with ​suspicion falling ⁢on the woman’s former⁤ boyfriend. The ex-boyfriend, who is ⁣currently traveling in Mexico,‍ is ‍being investigated as‍ a potential instigator of the attack. Investigators in Hérault are exploring the theory that jealousy fueled the attempted murder.

The four​ suspects, all residents of⁤ Grenoble or its surrounding area, remain⁣ in police custody. The⁤ investigation is ongoing ⁤to determine each individual’s‍ role ​in ⁣the incident and ⁤to verify the ‌ex-boyfriend’s involvement.