Police Engage Armed Man in Saint-Mandé Incident
In the early hours of November 23, 2024, police officers from the anti-crime brigade (BAC) in Saint-Mandé, Val-de-Marne, were involved in a serious confrontation with an armed individual. The incident began around 1:45 a.m. when a man sought refuge at the municipal police station, claiming he was being followed and threatened with death after a brief exchange of glances with another man at the metro station. This prompted local police to search for the alleged assailant.
Upon locating the suspect, the situation escalated when the man, aged 22, turned to face the officers while brandishing a handgun. Despite attempts to subdue him with a Taser, which proved ineffective, the suspect aimed his weapon at the police. In response, three officers discharged their firearms, hitting the man multiple times. He was subsequently transported to Henri-Mondor hospital in Créteil, where he is reported to be in critical condition and undergoing surgery.
Investigations Underway
The Créteil public prosecutor's office has initiated two investigations following the incident. The first, led by the Val-de-Marne judicial police, focuses on charges of attempted murder against law enforcement, as well as carrying illegal weapons. The second investigation, conducted by the national police general inspectorate (IGPN), will assess whether the officers acted within the bounds of self-defense during the confrontation.
Initial findings revealed that the suspect was armed with a 9mm Sig Sauer P320 pistol and a kitchen knife, with two unfired cartridges found nearby. Notably, the individual is not known to intelligence services for any terrorism or political activities, and the motives behind his actions remain unclear. The victim of the threats has filed a formal complaint, and video footage from police body cameras will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigations.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
This incident has raised significant concerns within the Saint-Mandé community regarding public safety and the effectiveness of police response to armed threats. As the investigations continue, local officials are expected to address these issues and provide updates on the situation. The use of body cameras and other surveillance technologies will play a crucial role in determining the sequence of events and the appropriateness of the police response during this tense encounter.
