
Traffic on the highway connecting Beirut to North Lebanon, at the level of Dbayeh. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — An individual suspected of killing the owner of a car showroom in Dbayeh (Metn) on Tuesday evening, in front of the ABC shopping mall along the Beirut-Jounieh highway, allegedly in an attempt to steal a luxury car, was arrested this morning by the Internal Security Forces (ISF). The ISF has yet to officially comment on this case which has spread across social media, with some users even sharing a video of the scene, which we have not been able to authenticate.
Contacted by L'Orient Today, a senior ISF official said, under the condition of anonymity, that it was "a pre-meditated plan, in which the accused, aged 20, likely acted alone."
According to sources supported by information from the state-run National News Agency (NNA), the alleged murderer reportedly visited the car dealership on Tuesday under the pretense of wanting to buy a Mercedes G-Class. In the victim's office, he then allegedly opened fire on the showroom manager, who was shot in the head. The manager reportedly died instantly, while the attacker fled in the desired vehicle to an unknown location.
The Red Cross transported the victim's body to Abou Jaoudeh Hospital in Jal al-Dib, not far from the crime scene, while security forces arrived on site and opened an investigation.
Less than four hours after the incident, security services arrested the suspected perpetrator of the crime, who is reportedly from south Lebanon. Following joint efforts between the intelligence division and the south investigation brigade, an ambush was set up in a village in the region, leading to the suspect's arrest, according to the same sources.
The suspect has been handed over to the Antelias brigade for further investigation and possible prosecution.