A driver of a utility vehicle hit several cyclists this Tuesday, January 14, including one who died as a result of these injuries. The driver was arrested and placed in police custody; a psychiatric assessment should take place soon.
A cyclist died when struck by the driver of a van this Tuesday, January 14 in Rouen, and two others were injured. The driver was arrested by the police after a chase and was taken into custody.
An investigation was opened for murder, attempted murder, aggravated refusal to comply and illegal transport of a weapon.
· Three cyclists hit
Around 8:45 a.m. this Tuesday morning, the driver of a utility vehicle hit a cyclist from behind on Avenue de la République. She then hit two other cyclists on the public transport lane of rue Alsace-Lorraine.
The first victim was slightly injured, while the second was more seriously injured, although his life prognosis was not compromised. The third victim, who was “violently struck” according to the prosecution, was taken to intensive care. She died from her injuries in the middle of the day.
At least three other people (a cyclist, a pedestrian and a driver) were also put in danger on the route of the motorist involved.
· The driver arrested
The driver’s vehicle was chased by municipal police officers. The police then managed to establish telephone contact with the motorist.
The latter, born in 1977, was finally arrested in Buchy and was placed in police custody. Four category C or D weapons were discovered in his vehicle.
The woman was making incoherent comments during her arrest, but was not intoxicated. Analyzes must be carried out to reveal the possible presence of narcotics.
· A psychiatric expertise planned
The Rouen public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into murder, attempted murder, aggravated refusal to comply, and illegal transport of weapons.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspect’s employer had noticed that she had left with the utility vehicle shortly before the incident, and had raised the alarm.
While in police custody, the suspect did not make any remarks with ideological or religious connotations to explain his actions. Several corroborating sources tell BFMTV that she was depressed and had expressed suicidal intentions. A psychiatric assessment must be carried out by Wednesday.
Boris Kharlamoff with Laurène Rocheteau
