Fatal police vehicle crash in Oise

In Bienville, Oise, two municipal police officers from Margny-lès-Compiègne were detained following a fatal car accident. The incident occurred overnight after a driver reportedly refused to comply with a police checkpoint.

The vehicle lost control and crashed into a field, causing the driver to be ejected from the cabin and die. While initial reports suggested the victim was a passenger, prosecutor Caroline Gaziot clarified that the deceased was the driver, who is believed to have been under the influence of alcohol.

A male passenger in his forties sustained minor injuries and was also taken into custody. The Compiègne prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into road homicide.

Legal proceedings have progressed, with prosecutor Caroline Gaziot announcing that authorities will request the formal indictment of a municipal police officer on charges of road homicide. The officer’s alcohol test was reported as negative. The deceased has been identified in some reports as Paul Devert.

The incident has sparked tension within the local traveler community. Protesters gathered at the Compiègne hospital morgue to oppose the autopsy of the deceased and demand transparency, citing concerns that the investigation might be suppressed. Law enforcement presence was increased at the site to manage the demonstrations.