Mayor Emmanuel Schuler disclosed that the suspect, born in 1983, was arrested by the raid unit and hospitalised around 11.45pm.
The drama unfolded when the man, reported to be suffering from a serious psychiatric condition, injured another individual with a knife. According to the police report, the latter attempted to bring the man food.
As the police was called following the knife attack, the man retreated into his council estate flat, triggering a gas explosion that ignited a fire within the premises. Fortunately, the suspect emerged uninjured from the blast, while the fire was quickly brought under control by the emergency services, explains the prefecture.
Eyewitnesses and the Républicain Lorrain alike recount a large explosion that caused the shutters of the flat to shatter. As a precautionary measure, a security perimeter was established, and the gas supply to the building was disconnected. In addition, residents of the building were evacuated to a nearby gymnasium for safety. Most of the residents were able to return to their homes as soon as the perpetrator was seized.
The perpetrator was notorious among residents for recurrent acts of property damage, as reported by local media. A prior altercation with police officers resulted in injuries to one officer, leading to a year-long imprisonment from which he was released merely three weeks prior to the recent events.
Mayor Schuler reiterated the community’s familiarity with the suspect’s turbulent background, emphasising the need for vigilance and support for individuals grappling with mental health challenges.
