Tense memorial held in Margny-lès-Compiègne for “Lapin,” who died after police pursuit

More than 300 people marched in Margny-lès-Compiègne on Sunday to honor Paul Tancre, known as “Lapin,” who died on August 21 after losing control of his vehicle during a police pursuit.

Tancre, a 46-year-old father, reportedly refused to stop for a municipal police patrol before speeding away and crashing. Le Parisien reported that he was driving without a licence and under the influence of alcohol. The municipal officer who drove the service vehicle was later charged with road homicide and placed under judicial supervision.

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killed

The memorial began amid tension. Relatives said during a speech that municipal police had “killed” Tancre and described the officers as “cowboys.” They claimed he died after his vehicle collided with the police car and that the police vehicle then ran over him after he was thrown from the passenger compartment. The claims were part of the relatives’ account of the incident.

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cowboys

Clashes with police broke out during the gathering, according to an AFP journalist at the scene. The Oise prefecture said three people were arrested for violence against a public official. The march began an hour and a half late, with participants chanting “Justice for Lapin,” “shame on the police,” and “no justice, no peace,” before ending more calmly at the cemetery with songs and flower tributes.

Anger had already risen in the local Traveller community, to which Tancre belonged. The Compiègne prosecutor’s office said people had damaged street furniture and shops and set fire to several vehicles during events around his funeral. Two suspected vandals were arrested. One received a nine-month sentence, adjusted to electronic monitoring, while the other, who denies the allegations, is due to stand trial on November 9. An investigation also opened after personal information and threats were circulated on social media.

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Justice for Lapin