In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of outrage through the community, a volunteer firefighter was critically injured in Evian-les-Bains, Haute-Savoie, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, after being deliberately struck by a vehicle while attempting to halt an urban rodeo. The firefighter, aged 38, is currently fighting for his life in a hospital.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. when two vehicles were reportedly engaged in reckless driving maneuvers, known as "drifting," in front of the local fire station. Witnesses reported that the firefighters, responding to the noise, emerged from the station to request that the drivers cease their dangerous activities. According to Martial Saddier, president of the Haute-Savoie firefighters’ department, the firefighters approached the drivers in a calm manner, hoping to defuse the situation.
However, tensions escalated quickly. One of the volunteer firefighters took a photograph of a driver in a Volkswagen Golf, which seemed to provoke a violent reaction. The driver, identified as 19-year-old Charly B., allegedly accelerated his vehicle and rammed into the firefighter from behind, propelling him approximately ten meters away. In the process, the firefighter struck a low wall, sustaining severe injuries.
As emergency responders rushed to provide aid, Charly B. reportedly returned to the scene, spat on the firefighter and his colleagues, and then fled the area. He was apprehended about forty minutes later, driving at high speed in Evian-les-Bains. Upon his arrest, authorities discovered three canisters of nitrous oxide, a partially consumed bottle of vodka, and a Redbull can in his vehicle.
Charly B. initially refused to undergo alcohol and drug testing but later complied, revealing a blood alcohol level of 0.28 mg/l. This young man was already known to law enforcement, having had his driver's license suspended just weeks prior on April 15, 2025, due to previous convictions for drug-related offenses. He was scheduled to appear in court on June 20, 2025, for driving under the influence of drugs.
Bruno Retailleau, the Minister of the Interior, visited the scene later that day and expressed his deep concern for the injured firefighter, who is also a father to a young child. "My first words in this tragedy will be for the family of this volunteer firefighter who is still fighting for his life as I speak," he stated. Retailleau characterized the driver's actions as a "homicidal attempt" that "crosses all boundaries of decency." He called for a renewed focus on public safety and the enforcement of laws against reckless driving.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about urban rodeos, which have been described as a growing menace in many French cities. Retailleau’s sentiments were echoed by François Bayrou, the Prime Minister, who condemned the actions of the driver, stating, "We must be near this volunteer, this man of security, this firefighter, who has been so brutally attacked, as if his life did not matter." Bayrou labeled urban rodeos as a "curse" for many cities.
In response to the incident, local officials and law enforcement are calling for stricter penalties for individuals engaging in such reckless behavior. The mayor of Evian-les-Bains, Josiane Lei, expressed her anger and sadness over the situation, emphasizing the need for community support for the firefighters and their families. She stated, "Urban rodeos are a curse for many mayors and cities. We must take action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future."
As investigations continue, authorities have opened a judicial inquiry into the incident, focusing on attempted murder charges against Charly B. The prosecutor's office in Thonon-les-Bains is leading the investigation, with support from local police.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by first responders and the urgent need for community awareness and action against reckless driving. The firefighter's family and colleagues remain hopeful for his recovery as they navigate this difficult time.
In the wake of this incident, community leaders are emphasizing the importance of respecting public safety and supporting those who risk their lives to protect others. As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering what measures will be taken to prevent such an incident from happening again.
