Frenchman in critical condition after shooting
Charles Sinapayen, 32, was seriously injured when a gunman fired into his apartment, which he shared with his partner. The attack left the man in a critical condition and is on a life support machine.
Detectives said the man was not known to them for anything of a serious nature. It is understood officers are investigating one line of inquiry involving a local criminal who had a personal issue with Mr Sinapayen.
Two masked assailants approached the apartment on Richmond Hill, in the Fassaroe estate, at 1am yesterday. They walked up a stairwell beside the apartment and banged on the door. When they failed to get a response, one of them, armed with a shotgun, fired twice into a bedroom window.
Mr Sinapayen was hit in the head and the gunmen escaped in a silver/grey car.
The Frenchman was taken first to nearby Loughlinstown Hospital, and later transferred to Beaumont Hospital in north Dublin, a specialist centre for head injuries.
Gardaí said his condition was “critical”. His girlfriend is by his side, supported by friends.
The local woman was in the apartment at the time of the attack. She was not physically injured, but is deeply traumatised.
Gardaí have contacted French authorities and the French Consulate to alert the man’s family.
Mr Sinapayen is originally from the Bordeaux region and had lived here for around three years.
Gardaí sealed off a second crime scene yesterday afternoon at a green near a row of cottages on Ledwidge Crescent, about a 15-minute walk from the shooting.
At a press conference earlier, Superintendent Michael Lernihan, described the attackers: “The first culprit is described as 5ft 10in, of average build, wearing a blue baseball cap with a white scarf, draped over his face, wearing a blue jacket and light grey track suit bottoms and white runners.”
* Gardaí have appealed to anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact Bray Garda Station on 01 6665300 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
