The suspect, who is lawfully residing in France, was detained in connection with the incident that occurred late Wednesday evening. According to officials, the attack happened in the vicinity of the Caen train station. The immediate legal consequence is the suspect’s detention under investigation for homicide and attempted homicide. The Caen prosecutor’s office confirmed that the suspect is not known to intelligence services and has no prior criminal convictions.
Authorities stated that the driver had no apparent terrorist motive. A police source indicated that the attack was a retaliatory response to a fight that had taken place earlier. The source said the suspect was involved in a dispute with several individuals, left the scene, and then returned with a vehicle. He drove onto a bus lane and struck a group of people standing under a bus shelter. The Calvados department prefect, David Clavière, confirmed the location and timing of the event.
Regional prosecutor Joël Garrigue announced that two men have died as a result of the attack. One victim, a 35-year-old Afghan national, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, a 28-year-old man, is also believed to be Afghan. Garrigue stated that nine other individuals, all men aged between 17 and 36, were wounded. Seven of the injured are in critical condition, with several suffering from fractures. The victims were gathered outside a bar when the vehicle struck them.
Witnesses provided accounts to the AFP news agency describing the sudden nature of the attack. One witness, who asked not to be named, reported hearing the sound of the car hitting people. Another witness described the sequence of events, stating that the driver left after a disagreement, appeared angry, and returned to drive into the group. “People are in shock, this has never happened in Caen,” the witness said.
The judicial investigation is now underway to determine the full extent of the suspect’s actions and the specific charges that will be filed. The distinction between the initial arrest and any formal indictment remains in the early procedural phase. Authorities have emphasized that the suspect’s lack of prior record and absence from intelligence databases are key factors in the current assessment of the case’s nature.
No further details regarding the suspect’s specific legal charges or the timeline for a formal hearing have been released. The investigation continues to focus on the circumstances of the preceding altercation and the deliberate nature of the driving. The French legal system will determine the appropriate penalties based on the evidence gathered during this preliminary investigation.
