A 34-year-old man, recently sentenced to four years in prison, including three years without parole, for a series of traffic offenses and endangering police officers, managed to escape from the Toulon Judicial Court on Friday, May 16. The escape has prompted a widespread manhunt across the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône departments, with law enforcement agencies on high alert.

The convict's criminal spree began on Wednesday, May 14, when he stole a refrigerated van in the eastern part of the department and headed towards Hyères, causing chaos on the roads. Despite an interception setup by CRS and local police, the individual refused to comply, leading to a high-speed chase that resulted in a police officer sustaining minor injuries. The incident underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty.

Following his arrest, the Marseille native was swiftly tried in immediate appearance before the Toulon court. His charges included aggravated refusal to comply, endangering the lives of police officers, and driving without a license, among others. This was not his first encounter with the law; the individual had been previously convicted in April 2024 for similar offenses, highlighting a pattern of recidivism.

The escape occurred after the sentencing, as the convict was awaiting transfer to La Farlède prison. Authorities have since issued a search warrant, and the investigation has been handed over to the Toulon Interdepartmental Judicial Police Service. The incident raises questions about security measures at judicial facilities and the challenges of preventing recidivism among offenders with a history of violent and reckless behavior.