Ras Al Khaimah shooting: Police official honoured for bravery, sharp instincts

A police official who responded to the shooting incident in Ras Al Khaimah that claimed three lives has been honoured.

Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, honored Corporal Ahmed Ali Al Beloushi of the Ras Al Khaimah Police General HQ in recognition of his exceptional bravery and unwavering devotion in fulfilling his national duty.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Saif awarded Corporal Al Beloushi the Security Sense Medal, applauding his valor, sharp instincts, commendable character, and steadfast commitment to protecting lives and property, and to reinforcing public safety and security.

The honoring ceremony was attended by Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior; Major General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, Chief of Ras Al Khaimah Police; along with several officers from the Ministry of Interior.

What we know about the incident

Earlier this week, Ras Al Khaimah police announced the arrest of the suspect involved in the tragic death of three women following a traffic-related altercation in the emirate.

The shooting incident claimed the lives of a 66-year-old mother and two of her daughters (aged 36 and 38), leaving a third daughter (47) wounded.

According to authorities, the dispute began when a vehicle attempted to pass through a narrow path. The confrontation then escalated, leading the man, an Arab national, to brandish a firearm and open fire on the women. The victims were transported to the hospital but succumbed to their injuries.

An immediate investigation was launched, following which the weapon was confiscated, while the case was referred to the public prosecution.

Speaking to Gulf News, Maher Salem Wafai, the son of the slain woman and brother of the victims, struggled to recount the horrific moments. "My mother and four sisters were in the house when the argument started," he said. "The man became aggressive and, without warning, opened fire."

The victims had been trying to navigate the already tight space when the dispute began. One of the sisters, Yasmin, 38, was the first to be targeted. "He ran her over and then shot her in the head," Wafai said. "When another sister approached, he shot her too. My mother, trying to avoid the horrific scene, was also shot along with my other sister, who rushed to help."