Fatal Shooting in Vaulx-en-Velin: Young Man Killed Near a School, Drug Trafficking Link Suspected

A young man was fatally shot on the afternoon of Monday, April 7, in Vaulx-en-Velin (Rhône), near Chemin des Barques and close to a primary school. The 19-year-old victim, according to multiple sources, died at the scene despite attempts to resuscitate him.

Students and school staff were immediately placed under lockdown between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., while police secured the surrounding area. The neighborhood was cordoned off, and the Rhône prefecture announced that enhanced security measures will be implemented starting this evening and maintained for several weeks.

Local authorities, including the mayor of Vaulx-en-Velin, Hélène Geoffroy, the deputy security prefect Antoine Guérin, and a representative of the public prosecutor’s office, arrived quickly on the scene. An investigation has been launched by the Lyon public prosecutor on charges of murder and illegal possession of a category B firearm. The Central Directorate of Public Security (DCSP) is in charge of the inquiry, which aims to clarify the circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible.

A Former Drug Dealing Hotspot

According to a police source, the shooting may be linked to a drug-related turf war. The area where the attack occurred had previously housed one of the largest drug dealing hubs in the Lyon metropolitan area, which was dismantled over a year ago. At the time, then-Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin had praised the operation.

Growing Violence Alarms Law Enforcement

Alain Barberis, regional secretary of the Alliance Police Rhône-Alpes union, expressed concern over escalating drug-related violence: “For months now, we’ve been witnessing a surge in conflicts between rival gangs.” He added, “The police are doing their best with the personnel they have, but they won’t be able to tackle this growing criminal network alone.”