Lorraine gendarmerie incident: suspect turns himself in after Christmas attack
Paris, December 27, 2025 — The driver suspected of deliberately ramming two motorcycle gendarmes in eastern France has surrendered to authorities, according to judicial and security sources.
The man, who had been actively sought since the incident on Christmas Day, presented himself on Saturday morning at the gendarmerie brigade in Remiremont, in the Vosges region. He was immediately taken into police custody, the public prosecutor’s office in Épinal confirmed.
The suspect is being investigated for refusing to comply with police orders and for attempted murder of law enforcement officers. No further details regarding his identity or motives were disclosed at this stage.
The events occurred on Thursday afternoon when gendarmes attempted to stop a van around 4:30 p.m. on National Road 57 near Épinal. The driver reportedly fled the checkpoint, triggering a pursuit during which he repeatedly attempted to strike pursuing officers.
During the chase, two gendarmes on motorcycles joined the operation. One of them was hit when the driver reversed his vehicle, while the second officer was later struck after the suspect turned around and deliberately drove into him, according to prosecutors.
After approximately 30 kilometers of pursuit, the suspect abandoned his vehicle near the town of Gripport in Meurthe-et-Moselle and escaped on foot. He remained at large until his surrender on Saturday.
Both gendarmes sustained injuries. One was lightly hurt, while the other suffered a fracture to the lower leg.
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