Mayor violently assaulted after asking driver to slow down

Stéphane Ramond, who recently took office as the mayor of Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, was violently assaulted in the town center after he stopped a driver for what he deemed dangerous behavior. The incident left the mayor with multiple contusions, prompting him to file a police report before the alleged assailant voluntarily surrendered to authorities.

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We don't care that you're the mayor!

The confrontation occurred when Ramond, who also owns a bicycle repair shop on rue Albert-Maignan, witnessed a car speeding past his store, tires screeching, with pedestrians nearby. Approximately fifteen minutes later, the same vehicle returned and stopped close to his shop. Ramond, accustomed to addressing speeding issues in his community, approached the driver to discuss the matter.

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It happens often that I reprimand people about their speed, so I went and introduced myself.

However, the exchange quickly turned aggressive. According to Ramond's account, the driver struck him in the face and declared, "We don't care that you're the mayor!" The mayor was knocked to the ground in front of witnesses and received aid from bystanders. He suffered injuries to his face and elbow, along with neck pain, but reported his condition was not serious.

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I would never have thought I would experience this.

The two occupants of the vehicle, both in their thirties, fled the scene. Ramond later encountered his alleged attacker at the gendarmerie, where the man had gone to turn himself in. Ramond expressed initial panic but praised the gendarmes for their swift response in separating them. The suspect was scheduled for immediate trial. The mayor's office and local residents have expressed support, with Ramond affirming that the ordeal has only strengthened his dedication to his mayoral duties.

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This episode reinforces my desire to continue my commitment to serving my commune.