Three Gendarmes Responding to ’Domestic Violence Call’ Shot Dead in Central France

By Staff, Agencies

A 48-year-old man has shot three gendarmes dead and wounded the fourth security officer near Puy-de-Dome in central France, as they tried to help a woman who sought getting away from the gunman and found shelter on a roof of a house, according to BFMTV.

The gendarmes were targeted by gunfire after trying to approach the house to respond to a report of domestic violence, said local French Mayor Francois Chautard.

One of them died of his injuries while the second, injured in the thigh, was transported to Ambert hospital center.

After setting fire to his house, the suspect shot once again at the gendarmes present in the vicinity of the home, claiming two victims, said the Clermont-Ferrand prosecutor's office, which specifies that the woman may have been rescued.

"At least seven members of the GIGN [National Gendarmerie Intervention Group] are on site. The greatest precautions are being taken with regard to the danger presented by the individual," according to AFP, citing a source close to the investigation.

The operation to capture the perpetrator, who reportedly managed to escape the crime scene, is still underway. Firefighters are on site to try to control the blaze.