A 35-year-old man has been taken into custody after deliberately driving a car into pedestrians and cyclists on the French island of Île d’Oléron, leaving ten people injured. The incident occurred on a road connecting the towns of Saint-Pierre d’Oléron and Dolus d’Oléron.
Authorities report that four of the victims sustained serious injuries, with at least two requiring intensive care. Emergency services airlifted several individuals to a hospital in Poitiers. Among the injured is a parliamentary assistant to a National Rally member of parliament, who is reported to be in serious condition.
According to officials, the suspect, a French national and resident of the island, targeted people along a stretch of road before attempting to set his vehicle on fire. Law enforcement officers subdued him with a stun gun and placed him under arrest. During the apprehension, the individual reportedly shouted an Arabic religious phrase.
The La Rochelle public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation for attempted murder. While the national anti-terrorism prosecutor is monitoring developments, it has not taken charge of the case at this stage. Initial reports indicate the suspect was not listed on security services’ watchlists for radicalization.
Local authorities describe the man as previously known to police for minor offenses, including theft, traffic violations, and issues related to alcohol. Investigators are examining his mental state and background as part of the inquiry. The mayors of the affected towns have condemned the deliberate nature of the attack, and a local crisis center has been established to manage the response.
The French Interior Minister traveled to the island following the incident. A full statement from the prosecutor’s office is expected later today.