Apparently unarmed

Teenager (19) shot dead by police officer during escape

(Bild: AFP/Denis Charlet (Symbolbild))

French police have shot dead a 19-year-old who tried to flee after a traffic stop. The officers wanted to check a car that was speeding in Cherbourg in northern France on Sunday evening, according to the public prosecutor's office on Monday evening.

However, the driver did not stop and drove on until he was stopped by a second patrol car. The three occupants fled on foot. One of them escaped.

Second man in custody
A second man was arrested. He is in police custody because the car was reported stolen, the public prosecutor's office added.

Policewoman shoots teenager in the chest
The 19-year-old was confronted by the officers in the second police vehicle and pushed one of them away. The police officer used his stun gun, while his colleague drew her service weapon and shot the 19-year-old in the chest.

Investigation initiated
An investigation was launched into the female officer. She was questioned by the police supervisory authority responsible for internal investigations (IGPN). According to investigators, the 19-year-old was unarmed.

Last summer, the death of 17-year-old Nahel, who was shot dead by a police officer during a traffic stop in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, triggered a wave of protests against police violence and racism in France.