French soldier surrenders after explosives siege
A French soldier who had locked himself in an explosives depot and threatened to blow it up surrendered today, the Interior Ministry said, ending a three-day stand-off that prompted the evacuation of hundreds of villagers.
Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin expressed his “satisfaction on the conditions in which the negotiation conducted” was carried out, said a statement.
Angered about being forced to retire, 46-year-old Regis Le Tohic on Friday seized control of the depot where he worked near the town of Fere-Champenoise, about 60 miles east of Paris.
The warehouse contained 60 tons of explosives, mostly anti-tank mines.
Dozens of police officers blocked off a one-mile perimeter around the warehouse, while rescue workers fanned out in nearby villages to escort some 400 residents beyond the safety perimeter, officials said. Flights were redirected around the area.
Officials said they found a letter addressed to the Defence Ministry in front of the depot in which Le Tohic, a warrant officer and explosives expert, had threatened to blow up the site.
Le Tohic, who is divorced, had been turned down for a promotion he had requested, officials said. He was demanding the army reconsider his case.
Under French law, warrant officers are required to retire aged 47. Le Tohic turns 47 later this month.
