Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Attempted Murder of Police Officers and Neighbor
On Friday, a man was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Assize Court of Seine-Saint-Denis for attempting to kill police officers and a neighbor in 2022.
Incident Details
On October 7, 2022, Pascal Bertrand, armed with multiple weapons, attacked a crew from the Raincy Anti-Crime Brigade who had responded to a complaint of a man stabbed by his neighbor.
In a narrow corridor, Bertrand drew a revolver and aimed at the policewoman and his neighbor, attempting to fire. However, the gun jammed.
Hassan, a second police officer, recounted the events to the Assize Court: "I charged forward and found myself facing him. He was pointing the gun right at me. I grabbed him and pushed his arm towards the ground."
Disarmed of his firearm, Bertrand then drew a knife and "stabbed randomly," according to the police officer’s account.
The blade penetrated the officer’s bulletproof vest to a depth of 4 cm. Despite his injuries, the officer managed to handcuff the assailant. The officer’s life was in danger for two days.
Court Proceedings
During the trial, a direct exchange took place between the police officer and the accused.
"I respect your sentence, but there were other options. Just because we’re angry doesn’t mean we need to kill everyone," Hassan said gently, addressing Bertrand.
"The police don’t come to kill. They come to help, to assist. On that day, maybe we could have talked. I could have given you advice. If you had been cooperative, it would have ended well. But you decided to end it all."
The accused had previously stated that he was in a self-destructive spiral and had hoped the police would kill him.
A psychological expert highlighted the "conflict between life and death instincts" in the accused, an antisocial individual with suicidal tendencies who nonetheless stockpiled food, medicine, and weapons at home.
Aftermath
"I thank you for sparing me. You had a weapon. You could have shot me. It’s absolutely true that you saved my life. It’s a new life that will be reborn," Bertrand responded.
In detention, Bertrand has undergone therapy, medication, and employment. He has also developed friendships with his cellmates.
