A man allegedly attempted to set fire to his car after crashing into a group of pedestrians and cyclists, leading to injuries to at least 10 people, two of whom are in intensive care, on the French holiday island of Saint Pierre d´Oléron. The suspect, a 35-year-old man, reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” upon his arrest following the incident where a vehicle struck several individuals and cyclists on a roadway connecting two villages on the island’s western side.
The police swiftly apprehended the suspect just moments after the shocking assault, having to use a Taser to subdue him as he resisted arrest.
Authorities caught the suspect attempting to ignite his car shortly after the disturbing event, and he was hurried to the Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron police station. The vehicle only partially caught fire, and gas canisters were discovered inside.
The arrested individual hailed from a village merely four kilometers away from the attack site. Mayor Christophe Sueur of Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron noted that the suspect had a history of misconduct, primarily linked to substance abuse.
Mayor Sueur stated, “He is notorious for his numerous infractions, particularly related to his regular consumption of drugs and alcohol.” Police have initiated an investigation into attempted murder in the aftermath of the tragic incident.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez disclosed preliminary information as an inquiry was launched, mentioning, “This morning, a driver struck several pedestrians and cyclists in Saint Pierre d´Oléron and Dolus d’Oléron on his route.”
“Two victims are in critical condition, and three others sustained injuries. Gendarmes have taken the suspect into custody. An investigation is underway. At the Prime Minister’s request, I am en route to the location,” added Nuñez.
Arnaud Laraize, the public prosecutor in La Rochelle, highlighted that the suspect had substance abuse issues and mental health challenges. He also clarified that the case was not being treated as a terrorism-related offense.
A witness informed French media that several bystanders allegedly heard the suspect shouting “Allahu Akbar” at the scene. Laraize emphasized that the incident was not being probed as a terrorist act.
A local resident in the holiday town recounted the terrifying moment when the vehicle plowed into pedestrians, stating, “An individual in a vehicle is recklessly hitting people in his path. Right outside my window, a pedestrian was hit and injured in Saint Pierre d’Oléron.”
Ile d’Oléron is a favored destination for UK holidaymakers and is the second-largest island in France after Corsica, measuring 19 miles in length and 5 miles in width.
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