A man purportedly attempted to ignite his car after crashing it into a group of pedestrians and cyclists. Police have apprehended a 35-year-old suspect following an incident that left at least 10 people injured, with two in critical condition, on the French holiday island of Saint Pierre d´Oléron. The suspect allegedly yelled “Allahu Akbar” upon arrest. The vehicle struck multiple individuals on a road connecting two villages in the western part of the country.
Law enforcement officials captured the suspect shortly after the disturbing attack, resorting to using a Taser due to his resistance during the arrest. The suspect was caught trying to set his car ablaze moments after the event and was swiftly taken to the Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron police station. The car only partially caught fire, and gas canisters were discovered inside.
The arrested individual hailed from a village near the site of the attack. Mayor Christophe Sueur of Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron mentioned the suspect’s history of misconduct, particularly related to substance abuse. The police have initiated an attempted murder investigation in the aftermath of the harrowing incident.
France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, disclosed initial details as an inquiry was launched. He stated, “This morning, a driver collided with several pedestrians and cyclists in Saint Pierre d´Oléron and Dolus d’Oléron. Two individuals are in critical condition, and three others sustained injuries. The suspect is now in custody, and I am en route to the location as per the Prime Minister’s request.”
Arnaud Laraize, the public prosecutor of La Rochelle, indicated that the suspect had a history of substance abuse and psychiatric problems. Although witnesses allegedly heard the suspect shout “Allahu Akbar,” the case is not being treated as a terrorist act.
A local resident recalled the terrifying moment when the vehicle struck pedestrians, describing how it injured a pedestrian in Saint Pierre d’Oléron. Ile d’Oléron is a favored destination for UK holidaymakers, being the second-largest island in France after Corsica, spanning 19 miles in length and 5 miles in width.