The prosecutor’s office in Nouméa provided details on the death of a man shot by a police officer in Dumbéa. The officer, who was not on duty at the time, was accompanying a colleague to the hospital for personal reasons. They were not in uniform and faced difficulties due to roadblocks. Their vehicle was surrounded by a group of 40 to 50 hostile individuals who began throwing stones. The officer, fearing for his safety, fired a single shot, fatally hitting a man who had smashed the passenger window with a weapon. The officer was later charged with aggravated assault causing death with the use of a weapon.
Evidence gathered from the scene showed multiple impacts on the car body consistent with stone projectiles. A video circulating on social media depicted a man lying on the ground with a machete-like weapon under his arm, believed to be the deceased victim. The police officer acted in self-defense when he saw the man preparing to strike him with the weapon. The officer identified himself as a police officer and fired his service weapon, shouting “police” before firing the fatal shot. These details were important in understanding the sequence of events leading to the man’s death.
The police officer’s actions were examined by the prosecutor, who concluded that the use of the weapon was justified in the face of imminent danger. The officer’s deployment of the weapon resulted in the tragic death of the man attacking the vehicle. The officer was placed under judicial control and charged with causing death through the use of a firearm. The investigation into the incident was ongoing, with authorities looking into the circumstances surrounding the roadblock and the behavior of the individuals who attacked the officer’s vehicle.
In light of the incident, the Minister Delegate for Overseas France, Marie Guévenoux, emphasized that no police operation had directly led to the man’s death. The importance of clarifying this point was stressed in order to prevent misinformation and rumors from circulating. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in volatile situations and the split-second decisions they must make to protect themselves and others. The case sparked debate and raised questions about the use of force by police officers in self-defense situations, with public scrutiny on the actions of the officer in the Dumbéa incident.
Overall, the details provided by the prosecutor shed light on the events leading to the fatal shooting in Dumbéa. The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the presence of a weapon-wielding individual attacking the officer’s vehicle, were key factors in the officers’ response. The investigation into the incident would continue, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the threat faced by the officer and the justification for the use of lethal force. The case served as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers in tense situations and the need for thorough investigations to establish accountability and transparency in such incidents.
