Hostage-taking in Issy-les-Moulineaux: a tense ending at the “L’Olivier” restaurant

At 1pm on Saturday November 16, a hostage situation broke out at the L’Olivier restaurant in Issy-les-Moulineaux. A man, armed with a knife, took refuge in the establishment owned by his father, holding four employees hostage. The incident, which mobilized large numbers of police, fortunately ended with the hostages being freed in the afternoon.

Disturbed man reported as protagonist

According to the Paris Prefecture of Police, the suspect, who was known to have a history of drug addiction, acted in a context of psychological distress. The authorities specified that the man, although known to the police, had no criminal record. The decision to dispatch a mediator to the scene proved strategic, as the individual had expressed suicidal intent.

A secure perimeter and mobilized resources

The hostage situation was brought under control thanks to the rapid intervention of the security forces. Three vehicles from the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) were mobilized, while the Search and Intervention Brigade (BRI) positioned itself around the restaurant, located just a stone’s throw from the Paris ring road.

Several witnesses reported the massive presence of police vehicles and armed, helmeted law enforcement officers, who set up a security perimeter in rue Ernes. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said he was closely monitoring the situation.

A shocked but relieved neighborhood

Fortunately, no customers or members of the public were involved in the hostage-taking, as the establishment was empty of customers at the time of the incident. The employees, who were held for several hours, were released unharmed in the late afternoon, while the suspect was arrested.

This event shook up the usually calm Issy-les-Moulineaux district, but the rigorous, coordinated management of the police prevented a tragedy.