In Normandy, a large-scale manhunt is underway for Mohamed Amra, who managed to escape from custody when a police van transporting him to jail was attacked on Tuesday.
Dubbed “The Fly,” Amra was en route from a court hearing in Rouen when assailants rammed the prison van at a toll booth, resulting in the tragic deaths of two prison officers.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin emphasized the comprehensive efforts being undertaken to capture the perpetrators, stating, “All means are being used to find these criminals.”
Over 200 gendarmes have been mobilized, and intensive vehicle checks are being conducted at strategic locations.
President Emmanuel Macron reassured the public that every possible measure is being taken to bring the culprits to justice.
According to Paris state prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the incident occurred just before 11:00 local time, with a Peugeot vehicle colliding head-on with the van and armed individuals descending from both a Peugeot and an Audi, presumably following the prison vehicle.
In the ensuing chaos, gunfire erupted, resulting in casualties among the officers and facilitating Amra’s escape.
The attackers then fled the scene, taking Amra with them. Subsequently, burnt-out vehicles believed to be linked to the assailants were discovered at separate locations.
French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti conveyed the heart-wrenching personal toll of the attack, noting that one of the slain officers left behind a wife and two children, while the other, aged 34, left behind a pregnant wife.
Additionally, three other officers sustained injuries, all fathers themselves.
Dupond-Moretti vowed that no stone would be left unturned in apprehending those responsible, describing them as individuals “for whom life has no value.”
Amra, who was convicted of burglary and implicated in a kidnapping leading to death, had attempted to escape earlier in the week by tampering with his prison cell.
Despite not being closely monitored, Amra required a level three escort due to his criminal history, which dates back to his adolescence.
While he has ties to a gang in Marseille, his record does not include drug-related convictions.
Amidst the ongoing manhunt, questions linger regarding Amra’s involvement in the plot to free him.
His lawyer, Hugues Vigier, expressed disbelief at the notion, stating, “If he’s behind it then I failed to understand who he is.”
However, authorities remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice for the fallen officers and the re-capture of Amra.
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