During the night of September 13 to 14, 2024, a police incident in Berlare resulted in the fatal shooting of a 48-year-old man.

The shooting occurred as a direct response to an attack on police forces, according to the public prosecutor's office.

The officer involved in the shooting is part of the local police zone of Berlare-Zele, although details regarding the number of shots fired and whether the victim was handcuffed remain unconfirmed.

The prosecutor's office has yet to confirm the specifics of the shooting, including the number of shots fired and the victim's handcuff status.

The victim had a long history of psychological issues, which the police were aware of, raising questions about their response during the incident.

The victim's lawyer, Kristiaan Vandenbussche, emphasized that the police had prior knowledge of the potential for escalation due to the victim's condition.

Vandenbussche argues that the police's response was disproportionate, labeling the incident as murder rather than involuntary manslaughter.

The victim's family contends that the police's actions were excessive and should be classified as murder.

In light of the incident, a separate investigation by the Committee P is examining the police's conduct, particularly regarding the use of force.

This investigation involves the prosecutor's office, forensic experts, and a medical examiner at the crime scene.

The shooting has prompted scrutiny, with authorities describing it as a response to a direct assault on police officers.

The public prosecutor's office has noted the victim's history of psychological issues, which were known to the authorities at the time of the incident.