A particularly threatening man was holding an elderly woman with a knife to her throat. He was killed by a municipal police officer's gunshot. The mayor of Saint-Etienne supports the police officer who fired the shot, “he did his duty”.
Company
From daily life to major issues, discover the subjects that make up local society, such as justice, education, health and family.
France Télévisions uses your email address to send you the “Society” newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link at the bottom of this newsletter. Our privacy policy
Stupor in the city center of Saint-Étienne (Loire). This Tuesday, November 26, late in the afternoon, an individual armed with two knives was killed by a Saint-Etienne municipal police officer, in a shopping street.
The police officer used his service weapon once, on this man who was holding an elderly woman with a knife to her throat, after running behind several onlookers. The attacked woman was slightly injured. He was “aggressive” et “threatened people” with a knife, prosecutor David Charmatz told AFP.
The mayor of Saint-Etienne reported the facts yesterday evening, explaining that “the man was excited, armed with knives and very aggressive”. Arriving at the scene, near the Christmas market, “the police officer, with enormous courage, judged that, to defend the life of the lady, it was necessary to intervene. He fired a shot. He saved the life of at least one person”.
He analyzed the situation quickly and calmly. He took his responsibilities. He did his duty. The scene took place under the city's video surveillance cameras and its pedestrian camera was on.
Gaël Perdriau, mayor of Saint-Etienne
According to a witness, a merchant in the neighborhood where the events took place, “We heard gunshots, it was a shock, the police arrived very quickly.”
Two investigations were opened, one to understand the background of this man, the other for murder regarding the fatal shooting, added Mr. Charmatz. The district, close to the prefecture, was cordoned off and tram traffic interrupted, according to an AFP correspondent on site.
After 7:00 p.m., many police vehicles were parked near the tram line and onlookers were crowding around the markings. Science policy was being addressed in the evening.
A psychological unit has been set up.
