In an alarming incident on the French holiday island of Saint Pierre d´Oléron, a man reportedly attempted to set his car on fire after ramming into pedestrians and cyclists, leaving at least 10 people injured, with two in critical condition. Following the attack, a 35-year-old suspect was apprehended by the police, who had to use a Taser to subdue him as he resisted arrest.
Moments after the shocking event, authorities caught the suspect trying to ignite his vehicle, which only partially caught fire, with gas canisters discovered inside. The arrested individual, who hails from a village near the crime scene, has a history of misconduct as confirmed by Mayor Christophe Sueur.
The suspect, known for substance abuse issues, was taken into custody as an attempted murder investigation was initiated. French Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, provided preliminary information on the case, stating that several victims were struck by the motorist on his route.
While there were reports of the suspect shouting “Allahu Akbar” during the incident, officials clarified that the case is not being treated as a terrorist act. The suspect, described as having psychiatric problems and a history of drug and alcohol use, is under investigation.
Witnesses recounted the terrifying moment when the car collided with pedestrians, with one resident expressing shock at the scene. The island of Ile d’Oléron, a popular destination for UK tourists, witnessed the distressing event, prompting immediate action by law enforcement and officials.