It is 3:20 p.m. when a police car crosses the road, at the intersection of boulevards Marx-Dormoy and Clemenceau.
A few sirens, but with the court very close, we first think of a transfer of prisoners, for hearings which sometimes mobilize surprising means. But the proliferation of police quickly puts an end to doubt: something not clear is brewing in the city center.
Sentimental disputes
“Don’t stand there, back off”, yells a member of the Proximity Security Group (GSP), weapon in hand. Without really understanding, the crowd obeyed, gathered at the foot of the tourist office.
Other police officers are deployed in the street, under the dumbfounded eyes of the Dracénois. Some businesses emerge, quickly rebuffed by the police.
A couple of passers-by, unaware of the danger, decides to withdraw money before being quickly dislodged by another member of the GSP. Nothing should exceed, the boulevard is cordoned off.
In a few minutes, the road is deserted, as are the wide sidewalks that border it. Well, not quite deserted.
An unmarked car is parked in the middle of the road, near the mini-market. A handful of officers of the Anti-Crime Brigade (Bac), in civilian clothes, machine guns in hand, protected by helmets and a shield. In short: the complete paraphernalia.
On the side of passers-by, the lack of information gives free rein to the imagination. “I was told that the pharmacy was robbed”, will say a shopkeeper a few minutes after the end of the operation.
None of that: it’s a man holed up in his home with a loaded shotgun. In the midst of a sentimental argument, he drinks more than reason, and sends, in a gesture of despair, a photo of the weapon to his companion.
All accompanied by a message that leaves no room for doubt: he wants to end his life.
Is he really determined to end it? Nobody knows. Not even the police, warned by the companion of the potentially dramatic situation. “Right in the city center, with windows facing the street, you can’t afford to run the slightest risk “, explains Commissioner Granata. Hence this rather impressive deployment.
A calm resolution
Back to the street. Nobody knows anything. “Step back “, repeats the policeman, while dozens of people gather in front of him. On the balconies too, the curious are out.
This is the moment that the Bac chooses to intervene. In column behind a bulletproof shield, the small group advances, weapons in hand, and enters 30 Boulevard Clemenceau. Nothing moves.
Long minutes go by. “What is going on ?”, inquire other passers-by. At the time of answering, a new burst of voice: “It’s okay, you can move around! ” 4:20 p.m .: end of the loop, but not the end of the story.
Because there are many onlookers who are now trying to find out what happened.
The authorities are still there, firefighters and police, and occupy the hall of the building. When the commissioner finally leaves the building, it is to explain, to reassure. “The 46-year-old was very cooperative. He opened the door for us and handed us the rifle. He did not do any wrongdoing, the gun is in order, and he has a license. And he has a license. if he was indeed drunk, it was at his home. “
In short, no charges will be brought against him, and the story ends in peace. “He is going to be taken to the hospital, but it is as a precaution. It is in this same process that we seized the weapon.”
Finally, the individual joined, handcuffed, the fire brigade ambulance. “Handcuffs are for your own safety “, slips Philippe Granata. The spouse, present at the foot of the building, collapses. “I was afraid for him.”
More fear than harm.
–
