Mother meets police officer who killed her 11-year-old son in chase

The mother of Fabian, an 11-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a police vehicle during a chase through Elisabeth Park in Brussels, has met the officer behind the wheel in hopes of finding "peace of mind".

The conversation was "serene and discreet", Sven Mary, the officer’s lawyer, told Het Nieuwsblad.

“It was very emotional, but everything went smoothly and, above all, discreetly,” Mary said.

No further details were given. The meeting took place within a defined "legal framework", whereby the conversation cannot be used against the parties involved in court.

Fabian was killed in early June after police chased him on his scooter into the park and struck him with their car, sparking outrage.

According to the Brussels public prosecutor’s office, the officer’s statements did not match the findings of the investigation. For example, the vehicle’s flashing lights were not on, as the officer claimed.

In the days following the incident, several commemorations and protests took place.

Fabian’s death also led to a discussion about the appropriateness of police vehicles driving into parks. However, a ban was voted down in the Ganshoren municipal council.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Fabian’s mother indicated that she wanted to meet the officer involved, saying it would give her "peace of mind".

A red oak will be planted in Elisabeth Park as a memorial to Fabian.