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Lille Student, 19, Killed by Driver Fleeing Police as Homicide Case Opens

Prosecutors have requested pre-trial detention for the 31-year-old suspect.

Overview

  • The student, identified as Mathis, was struck just before 5 a.m. on Boulevard de la Liberté near Place de la République and died despite emergency care.
  • Police say the motorist refused to stop, sped through a red light on a bus lane, and hit the pedestrian before being arrested a few hundred meters away.
  • An inquiry for homicide by vehicle and refusal to comply has been opened, and the suspect was placed in police custody after initially contesting the allegations.
  • According to multiple sources cited by TF1-LCI, the driver had consumed nitrous oxide, while earlier reports noted authorities were still working to confirm consumption.
  • Police sources said the man was known for traffic offenses and was not authorized to drive, and a union official urged stronger action on recreational nitrous oxide and noted testing challenges.