On the night of Friday January 3 to Saturday January 4, 2025, a police intervention in La Roche-sur-Yon (Vendée) almost turned into a tragedy.
A 31-year-old man, armed with two knives, attempted to attack police officers near the Flâneries shopping area. Thanks to the use of the Taser and the rapid intervention of the police, no injuries were reported. The suspect will be tried in immediate appearance this Monday, January 6, as reported by Ouest-France.
An arrest under high tension
It all started when the La Roche-sur-Yon police officers were sent on patrol in the Flâneries commercial area. On site, they were confronted by an individual armed with a knife. The man, extremely aggressive, uttered insults and death threats against them. Faced with his threatening behavior, the police issued summons and used their Taser to try to control him.
After an initial intervention, the individual threw his knife to the ground and headed towards a nearby McDonald's restaurant. As the police prepared to arrest him, the man took a second knife from his pocket and tried to stab a civil servant. The shot passes a few centimeters from the police officer, who narrowly escapes injury.
Quickly, reinforcements were called and the police managed to subdue and disarm the attacker. He is immediately taken into custody.
Presentation to the prosecution and immediate appearance
The suspect must be presented this Sunday, January 5 to the La Roche-sur-Yon public prosecutor's office. According to Alison Leduc, Deputy Public Prosecutor, he will be tried in immediate appearance on Monday January 6 for acts of threats, contempt, rebellion and violence with a weapon against a person holding public authority.
Union reactions and concerns
The rapid intervention and mastery of the police officers are praised by the Alliance Police nationale union. Grégory Brelay, departmental secretary of the union in Vendée, congratulates “the exemplary composure of the police officers involved”. He recalls that “this arrest could have ended in tragedy”, also expressing his concern about the increase in violence against the police.
“In the Vendée prefecture, this type of intervention is becoming a daily reality, often linked to drug contexts. The arrival of reinforcements is essential to strengthen investigation and field services,” adds Grégory Brelay.
This episode once again highlights the risks faced by police officers on a daily basis, and underlines the need for additional resources to guarantee their safety and that of the population.
