Additional Coverage:
Man Arrested After Deliberate Vehicle Ramming Injures 10 on French Island
Oleron, France – A 35-year-old man is in police custody after allegedly deliberately driving his car into pedestrians and cyclists on the picturesque French Atlantic island of Oleron on Wednesday. The incident resulted in injuries to 10 people, with four reported to be in serious condition.
According to prosecutor Arnaud Laraize, the Oleron resident “deliberately hit several pedestrians and cyclists” along a main road connecting the towns of Dolus d’Oleron and Saint-Pierre d’Oleron. Upon his arrest, the suspect reportedly exclaimed “God is the greatest” in Arabic.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, treating it as alleged attempted murder. While the motive behind the apparent attack remains unclear, a source close to the case indicated the man intentionally struck victims over a stretch of several miles.
French media outlets have reported that the suspect was previously known to local police for a history of offenses, including theft, drug and alcohol abuse, and driving under the influence. The mayor of Dolus d’Oleron confirmed the suspect’s residency on the island.