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Car Ramming on France’s Île d’Oléron Injures Several, Suspect Arrested

Investigators say anti-terror prosecutors are not leading the case pending a determination of motive.

Overview

  • Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said five people were struck over 35 minutes, with two gravely injured, revising earlier reports that put the toll near ten.
  • Police subdued a 35-year-old local man with a stun gun after he tried to set his car on fire along the route between Dolus-d’Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron.
  • The suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” at the time of arrest, but authorities have opened an attempted murder probe and have not concluded a terrorist motive.
  • Reports that gas cylinders were in the vehicle are being checked by investigators, and several victims were airlifted to hospitals in Poitiers.
  • Local officials say the man was known for petty offenses and alcohol- and drug-related problems and was not listed on France’s radicalisation watchlist.