In a shocking incident that unfolded on Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Villejean district of Rennes witnessed a violent shooting that left four young men injured, highlighting the ongoing issues of drug-related violence in the area. The brazen attack occurred around 5:30 PM at a Subway restaurant located on the Kennedy slab, a known hotspot for drug trafficking.
According to reports, three hooded assailants armed with an automatic weapon and handguns stormed into the restaurant, opening fire on patrons. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as terrified customers attempted to hide from the gunfire. Two victims, aged 18 and 20, were shot inside the restaurant, with one sustaining a serious injury to the thorax and the other to the legs. A third victim, a 23-year-old man, was shot outside as the attackers fled the scene.
"I had the scare of my life," recounted Charles Compagnon, a municipal councilor who was present during the shooting. "I put my hands on my head, thinking if they came to finish the job, we were dead." The violence escalated further when a fourth victim, a 20-year-old man, was struck by the assailants' getaway vehicle as he attempted to escape the chaos.
After the shooting, the assailants fled in a gray Peugeot 2008, continuing to fire at bystanders as they made their escape. A video capturing their flight quickly went viral on social media, showcasing the alarming nature of the attack. The attackers reportedly shouted "Photos! Photos!" as they exited their vehicle, seemingly documenting the aftermath of their violent act.
The four injured individuals were promptly transported to the CHU of Rennes, where their conditions were stabilized. Mayor Nathalie Appéré provided an update, stating that "the news is reassuring regarding the health of these individuals; their lives are not in danger." However, the incident has reignited calls for increased police presence in the area, which has been plagued by drug-related violence.
In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement agencies initiated a swift response. Four suspects were arrested shortly after the incident, with one apprehended near a burned-out vehicle linked to the assailants. Investigators recovered a handgun and a balaclava from the scene. The RAID (Research, Assistance, Intervention, Dissuasion) unit arrested three additional suspects later that night. All four individuals are known to law enforcement and are being held in custody as part of an investigation into attempted murder in an organized gang.
Local authorities are exploring the possibility that the shooting is connected to a violent power struggle among drug traffickers in the Villejean area. The neighborhood has seen a surge in violent incidents related to narcotics, with previous shootings reported in January 2025.
"I'm not the Minister of the Interior, but I fight like a dog to ensure these neighborhoods are not taken over by drug dealing," Mayor Appéré stated during her visit to the scene the following morning. She announced that the CRS 82 police unit would be deployed to the area, followed by the CRS 56, to bolster security and reassure residents.
The Villejean district has long been associated with drug trafficking, and this latest incident has raised concerns about public safety among residents. "The community is traumatized by the violence that has become all too common in our neighborhood," said Compagnon, reflecting on the impact of such attacks on local life.
As the investigation continues, Rennes authorities are under pressure to address the underlying issues that contribute to such violent outbreaks. The presence of law enforcement is being ramped up, but the community remains on edge, hoping for a return to peace.
In a city where the shadow of drug trafficking looms large, the events of April 17 have become a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in ensuring safety and security for all residents of Rennes.
