Fatal Gun Attack on Parked Car in Kartal Leaves 2 Dead and 2 Injured
Gunman Kills One and Injures Three Near Istanbul
Late on Friday evening, an unidentified assailant attacked a car parked on the roadside in Istanbul's Kartal Yakacık Neighborhood. The car had four people inside who were sitting and chatting, according to local media. The suspect then opened fire, allegedly with an automatic weapon, hitting the driver and two others. Another person in the car managed to escape the attack. A stray bullet also hit a woman sitting in a nearby sweet shop. Authorities alerted emergency and security forces, who rushed to the scene to attend to the injured and investigate the crime.
The injured were immediately transported to the nearest hospital, where the driver was declared dead on arrival, while the other two were receiving treatment for gunshot wounds. The victim was identified as Mazhar Öztarhan, a 60-year-old businessman.
The authorities are currently investigating whether the attack was a random street crime or a targeted assassination. Though the motive is unknown, many media reports are suggesting that the incident could be linked to gang wars or payback for unpaid debts for some illicit activities.
The individual who fired the shots fled from the scene, and the police are carrying out an extensive search for the suspect. The incident has sparked outrage in the neighborhood, with locals and the deceased’s family demanding justice for the loss. The country's opposition parties have condemned the attack and called for swift action to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Despite the incident, the neighborhood has been considered relatively safe, with a low crime rate, and the local authorities are committed to maintaining law and order. While the investigation continues, there is an increased police presence in the area to prevent any further violence.
