A manhunt is currently underway in France as authorities search for armed assailants who ambushed a prison convoy, resulting in the death of two prison officers and serious injuries to three others. The inmates they were escorting were also able to escape. The prime minister has expressed determination in capturing the gang responsible, assuring that they will face consequences for their actions.
“We are closely monitoring your actions, and rest assured, we will locate you and ensure you face the consequences,” stated Prime Minister Gabriel Attal in parliament, a statement that received a round of applause from fellow lawmakers. “Those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.”
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French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin stated that they were making “unprecedented” efforts in the search for the escaped convict, Mohamed Amra, and the assailants who ambushed the prison van that was transporting him. He mentioned that hundreds of officers were mobilized for this operation. The assailants rammed a car into the van and opened fire on Tuesday.
Interpol, the global police body, announced on Wednesday that it has issued a red notice for the arrest of Amra, a 30-year-old individual, at the request of France.
Interpol has issued a red notice for the arrest of Mohamed Amra, also known as ‘The Fly’, at the request of French authorities. A red notice serves as an international call to law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend a fugitive.
Amra, as described in the notice, stands at approximately 6 feet tall. He possesses wavy brown hair, complemented by his dark brown eyes and a well-groomed beard.
France was deeply shocked by the brutal nature of the attack. Prison workers across Paris and other locations observed moments of silence to honor the fallen officers.
On Wednesday, Darmanin expressed his hope that Amra could be apprehended “in the coming days.” He revealed that 450 officers had been dispatched to the region of the attack in Normandy, northern France, to conduct a thorough search for the perpetrators and gather valuable leads regarding their whereabouts.
He expressed that they are using significant measures and making substantial progress.
The car, which had been stolen, went through the toll booth a few minutes before the prison convoy and then waited there. Soon after, the prison van and another prison escort vehicle passed through the toll booth on the freeway. Tragically, the car rammed head-on into the van. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed these events and stated that the car had been stolen.
After the attackers fled, Amra managed to escape as well. The investigators have discovered two burned cars in the area, which they are currently examining, according to Beccuau.
Two officers lost their lives in the tragic incident. The first officer was a 52-year-old captain with almost three decades of service in the prison department. He was a dedicated father of two, leaving behind a loving family. The second officer who lost his life was 34 years old and had a promising future ahead as he was about to become a father. He was a devoted husband who leaves behind a grieving wife.
Amra, who is now 30 years old, has an extensive criminal record that includes at least 13 convictions for robbery and other offenses. Her first conviction was when she was only 15 years old.
Escaped convict has history of violent crime
In the attack, three additional prison guards sustained injuries, and one of them is currently in critical condition, fighting for his life.
Paris chief prosecutor Laure Beccuau informed reporters that he has a strong reputation within the judiciary.
According to an anonymous source familiar with the case, Amra is believed to have strong connections with organized crime and is under suspicion for ordering a number of murders related to the drug trade.
According to an anonymous source, Amra is reportedly in charge of his own drug trafficking network.
According to Beccuau, the investigator in charge of the motorway attack case, it is important to note that none of the 13 previous convictions of the perpetrator were directly linked to the narcotics business. These convictions ranged from armed robbery to extortion.
In January 2022, he found himself behind bars at Evreux prison in the northwestern Normandy region. His imprisonment was a result of multiple convictions, including criminal conspiracy, extortion, robbery, armed violence, and involvement in an unlawful motor rodeo.
The court recently issued a conviction for robbery just last week.
