French authorities confirm the arrest of Mohamed Amra, a convicted burglar, nine months after a tragic ambush that claimed the lives of two prison officers.
French Prison Escapist Captured in Romania After Deadly Ambush
French Prison Escapist Captured in Romania After Deadly Ambush
Mohamed Amra, also known as 'The Fly,' was arrested after an extensive manhunt following a violent escape incident.
In a significant development, French authorities have confirmed the capture of Mohamed Amra, a convict who made headlines after escaping during a deadly ambush associated with his police transport. Known by his nickname "La Mouche," or "The Fly," Amra was apprehended in Romania nearly nine months after the attack that led to the deaths of two prison officers and injuries to three others on May 14, 2024.
The ambush occurred at a toll booth near Rouen, Normandy, when gunmen armed with military-grade weapons attacked the police van transporting Amra, who had recently received a burglary conviction. In the ensuing chaos, the armed assailants ransacked the vehicle, resulting in the tragic deaths of the two guards. The gunmen subsequently fled the scene in a vehicle that was later recovered by law enforcement.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised the capture as a remarkable achievement and expressed condolences to the families affected by the loss of the prison officers. He extended gratitude to European partners and the diligent French investigators who had painstakingly pursued leads to locate Amra.
France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau also commended Romania for its "crucial cooperation" in the operation. Officials clarify that Amra, though not classified as a high-risk inmate, was supposed to be escorted by five prison officers due to the dangers associated with transporting him.
Despite previously attempting to escape by sawing through his prison cell bars shortly before the ambush, Amra's lawyer expressed disbelief at the violence associated with the incident, stating that it did not align with his understanding of Amra's character.
The ramifications of this incident are profound, as it marks the first fatalities among French prison officers in the line of duty since 1992. Over 300 investigators collaborated on the case, setting up roadblocks across the northwest region of France as part of a massive manhunt for Amra, demonstrating the heightened urgency and significance behind capturing the fugitive.
Upon Amra’s arrest, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou celebrated the conclusion of the manhunt on social media platforms, marking an end to a tragic chapter for French law enforcement that heralds a renewed focus on security protocols during prisoner transport.
The ambush occurred at a toll booth near Rouen, Normandy, when gunmen armed with military-grade weapons attacked the police van transporting Amra, who had recently received a burglary conviction. In the ensuing chaos, the armed assailants ransacked the vehicle, resulting in the tragic deaths of the two guards. The gunmen subsequently fled the scene in a vehicle that was later recovered by law enforcement.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised the capture as a remarkable achievement and expressed condolences to the families affected by the loss of the prison officers. He extended gratitude to European partners and the diligent French investigators who had painstakingly pursued leads to locate Amra.
France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau also commended Romania for its "crucial cooperation" in the operation. Officials clarify that Amra, though not classified as a high-risk inmate, was supposed to be escorted by five prison officers due to the dangers associated with transporting him.
Despite previously attempting to escape by sawing through his prison cell bars shortly before the ambush, Amra's lawyer expressed disbelief at the violence associated with the incident, stating that it did not align with his understanding of Amra's character.
The ramifications of this incident are profound, as it marks the first fatalities among French prison officers in the line of duty since 1992. Over 300 investigators collaborated on the case, setting up roadblocks across the northwest region of France as part of a massive manhunt for Amra, demonstrating the heightened urgency and significance behind capturing the fugitive.
Upon Amra’s arrest, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou celebrated the conclusion of the manhunt on social media platforms, marking an end to a tragic chapter for French law enforcement that heralds a renewed focus on security protocols during prisoner transport.
