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.