Armed, he robs four gas stations in two weeks: a former top athlete arrested

Franck M. threatened gas station employees in the Alpes-Maritimes with his handgun to empty the cash registers (illustration image). MAXPPP – Patrick Lefevre

Since August 5, a man has held up four gas stations in the Alpes-Maritimes. He was armed with a handgun and was wearing a cap or hat.

Four robberies in two weeks. On August 5, 11, 15 and 18, gas stations in Saint-Laurent, Grasse and Nice were held up, reveals Var-Matin.

The judicial police on the case

The case was entrusted to the judicial police of the Alpes-Maritimes, under the aegis of the Grasse prosecutor's office in order to put an end to the series of robberies.

The video surveillance recordings of Cagnes-sur-Mer, made it possible to identify the individual. He was hiding under a cap or a hat, with sunglasses to hide his face. With a handgun in hand, he threatens the employees and demands that they empty their cash drawers.

Former top athlete

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday, August 21, while driving his vehicle. In his car, the police seized a 6.35 caliber Browning pistol, the weapon he used in each of the robberies.

The individual is known to the courts for similar acts. Franck M., who lives in Grasse, is a former top athlete.

However, the prosecution has decided that the suspect will appear before the criminal court, rather than the assize court, our colleagues explain.

He will be tried for four “extortions committed by a person deliberately hiding their face”. He can prepare his defense by requesting a delay.