Rillieux-la-Pape, France – A police officer sustained a facial injury after being struck by a mortar fire on Monday evening in Rillieux-la-Pape, a commune in the Lyon metropolitan area. The incident, which occurred near the Alagniers gymnasium, has been described by the mayor as an ambush. A minor suspect has since been apprehended.
Police Intervention Escalates into Violent Attack
The events unfolded shortly after 9:30 PM when national police officers responded to reports of disturbances near the Alagniers gymnasium on Route de Strasbourg. What began as a routine intervention quickly turned violent as a group of approximately ten individuals, with their faces concealed and dressed in black, emerged from the shadows. They began to hurl insults, stones, and explosive devices at the officers.
Officer Suffers Significant Facial Injury
According to sources, the assailants fired mortar fireworks directly at the officers. One officer was hit in the face, between the eyebrows, just centimeters from his eyes. The wound is described as severe. Alain Barberis, departmental secretary for the Rhône region of the Alliance Police Nationale union, stated, “He told us that he understood what had happened when he saw that there was a lot of blood on the ground. The psychological and then physical shock was significant; he could have lost an eye or both.”
The injured officer was transported to Médipôle Lyon-Villeurbanne, where he was issued a medical certificate for at least eight days of temporary incapacity for work (ITT).
Suspect Apprehended, Investigation Underway
Despite the intensity of the assault, officers successfully identified and apprehended a young man suspected of firing the mortar. The suspect is a minor residing in the area, according to a security source. Municipal police reinforcements were dispatched to the scene, and at least four shots were fired from defensive ball launchers (LBDs) to restore order. An investigation into the incident has been launched.
Mayor Denounces an “Ambush”
Alexandre Vincendet, the mayor of Rillieux-la-Pape, unequivocally stated that the attack was an ambush. “There have been no arrests in the area recently, it’s not revenge as we have known. The goal is to seek a misstep on the part of the police. But the officers were exemplary and showed composure and professionalism; I want to commend their action,” said Mayor Vincendet to actu Lyon.
The mayor also reported that municipal police officers under his command were subjected to stone-throwing on Thursday, March 12, resulting in damage to a police vehicle. In that incident, four adults who had sought refuge in an apartment were arrested.
Mayor Vincendet, who is seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal elections, pledged to summon the parents of those involved to hold them accountable if he is re-elected.
This incident highlights growing concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers in the region and the challenges they face in maintaining public order.
