Caught up two years after trying to rape a woman in the street in Nantes

No less than 490 names. And as many tracks, tenuous, to check.

The investigation was long, tedious and complex. But she ended up designating a suspect, two years after the fact.

It was in December 2019. A 34-year-old woman had been approached by a stranger as she pushed her door, Guist’hau district, in Nantes. He had said a few words, before throwing her against a low wall, then lying on her​, reports someone close to the case. The assailant did not stop there. But the victim ended up finding refuge with local residents and the man fled.

Family lineage

At the time, this woman's bag and a necklace were seized at the scene. On the jewel, DNA could be taken, which was also on the clothes and on the body of the victim. But he didn't name any specific suspects. A family line had appeared and 490 names had come out​, continues the same source. The investigators of the Departmental Security were not discouraged, however. They decided to call, one after the other, each of them, giving priority to people residing in Nantes or its agglomeration. And a man ended up calling the police station. His brother had been contacted by the police and he named himself​, explains the person close to the file.

Indicted

The 48-year-old man was taken into custody. Faced with the police, he admitted the facts but would have assured not to have wanted to rape this woman. He also explained that he had been drinking and using cocaine on the evening of the incident. Which is difficult, if not impossible, to verify, two years later.

Before presenting him to the investigating judge who was going to notify him of his indictment for attempted rape​, the investigators also checked his background and sought to find out if he had been able to do other victims.

His criminal record was nil and no reconciliation has been made at this stage of the investigations. But the investigation is now continuing under the authority of the investigating magistrate. The suspect was placed under judicial supervision.