Knife attack in Cannes: Suspect identified as Algerian national

Tuesday 18 March 2025 - 11:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Knife attack in Cannes: Suspect identified as Algerian national

A 21-year-old man has been apprehended following a knife attack on police officers outside the Cannes police station in Alpes-Maritimes on Saturday morning. The assailant, who is of Algerian descent, displayed threatening behavior toward a police vehicle occupied by multiple officers.

The incident occurred around 10:45 AM in the parking lot of the station. Armed with a knife, the individual approached the police vehicle aggressively. When the vehicle attempted to flee toward the station's esplanade, the suspect quickly followed.

Reinforcements arrived promptly, leading to the suspect's arrest. One officer deployed a taser to subdue him.

Disturbing declarations during arrest

Witnesses reported hearing the suspect shout "Allah Akbar" and express suicidal intentions during his arrest, as stated by Damien Savarzeix, the public prosecutor for Grasse. During a medical examination designed to assess his fitness for detention, the suspect mentioned he had acted under the influence of "voices."

Due to his psychological state, an initial psychiatric evaluation recommended compulsory hospitalization. Consequently, his detention was lifted, and formal questioning will only occur once his health stabilizes.

Investigation into attempted murder

Authorities have assigned the case to the interdepartmental judicial police service (SIPJ) in Nice. The suspect faces charges of attempted murder against a public authority figure.

A history of criminal behavior

According to the prosecutor's office, this is not the suspect's first encounter with the law. His criminal record includes several entries:

- A six-month suspended sentence for aggravated theft issued by the correctional court of Meaux on November 27, 2023.

- A three-month suspended sentence for theft in a group from the correctional court of Créteil on November 26, 2024.

- A court appearance before the Grasse prosecutor on March 11, 2025, resulting in a €300 fine for vandalizing a municipal police vehicle and a five-year ban from French territory.

A non-compliant Algerian national

The man reportedly uses multiple aliases and is of Algerian nationality. He is currently subject to an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF). Investigations continue to uncover the precise motivations behind his actions and any potential accomplices.