Brutal Scooter Crash Leaves Officer with Broken Leg, Miracle Escape
A Lyon police officer narrowly escaped death on Sunday, February 16th, after being violently struck by a fleeing scooter in the Vaulx-en-Velin suburb. The incident unfolded as officers attempted to pull over a T-Max scooter and its passenger, who failed to comply with the officers’ signals.
Alerted via radio, two officers from a different unit spotted the fleeing vehicle and attempted to intercept it. However, the scooter driver accelerated and collided with one officer’s hand before hitting the second officer head-on.
"He was thrown about ten meters," exclaimed Alain Barberis, departmental secretary of the Alliance Police union. "It’s a miracle he’s still alive."
The injured officer suffered a broken tibia and was granted a 45-day temporary work disability (ITT).
Regional Prefect Fabienne Buccio expressed her support for the injured police officers. "The perpetrators of this heinous and violent act are currently being sought," she wrote on social media. "They must be severely punished."
Barberis echoed this demand. "It is unacceptable that police officers are being targeted. There will be a tragedy," he warned, calling for additional reinforcements in a department where police staffing is inadequate.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred at around 3 p.m. in the Mas du Taureau district of Vaulx-en-Velin. Officers from the specialized terrain brigade (BST) attempted to stop a T-Max scooter and its passenger for a routine check. However, the scooter driver ignored the officers’ signals and sped off.
Two officers on patrol nearby were alerted via radio and attempted to intercept the vehicle. But the scooter driver refused to stop or slow down, striking one officer in the hand and colliding with the second at full force.
The injured officer was taken to the hospital for treatment of a broken tibia and other injuries. He is expected to be out of work for the next six weeks.
Investigation and Manhunt
Police have launched a manhunt for the driver and passenger of the T-Max scooter. Witnesses described the driver as a young man wearing a dark helmet, while the passenger was reportedly a woman wearing a white jacket.
The scooter was found abandoned a short distance from the scene of the accident. Police are examining the vehicle for clues that could lead to the suspects’ identities.
Outrage and Condemnation
The incident has sparked outrage among police officers and union representatives. They have condemned the violence against their fellow officers and called for tougher punishments for those responsible.
"This attack is a reminder of the dangers that police officers face every day," said Xavier Tanguy, secretary-general of the Vigi-Police union. "We demand that the perpetrators be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Call for Reinforcements
Police unions have also called for additional reinforcements in the Lyon area, where they say there is a shortage of officers.
"We are overwhelmed," said Barberis. "We need more police officers on the streets to prevent incidents like this from happening again."
The government has promised to provide reinforcements, but police unions say more is needed to address the chronic staffing shortages in the Lyon area.
