Mayor of Locmaria on Belle-Île-en-Mer dies after altercation with boater at Le Palais port
Dominique Rousselot, 57, suffered a cardiac arrest on Saturday evening after intervening in a dispute between his son and a boater. The suspect, a 55-year-old man known to police, was arrested overnight.
The altercation
On Saturday evening, shortly before 9 p.m., gendarmes were called to a brawl at the port of Le Palais, the main harbour of Belle-Île-en-Mer. The dispute involved Dominique Rousselot, the 57-year-old mayor of Locmaria, and a 55-year-old boater. According to a source close to the investigation, an earlier altercation had taken place between the mayor's son and the same man. The mayor had stepped in to intervene.
Death of the mayor
When officers arrived, they found Rousselot on the quay in cardiorespiratory arrest. Despite prolonged resuscitation efforts by emergency services, he could not be revived. His death was declared around 9:30 p.m. No visible signs of blows were found on his body, and authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of death. An autopsy has been ordered.
Suspect barricaded and arrested
The boater, who was reportedly intoxicated, retreated into a boat cabin and refused all dialogue with police, turning to insults. The man, known to law enforcement for prior acts of aggravated violence and harassment, was eventually arrested during the night after negotiators were deployed. He was placed in police custody.
- Gendarmes called to a brawl between Mayor Rousselot and a boater at Le Palais port.
- Mayor declared dead after cardiac arrest, despite prolonged resuscitation efforts.
- Boater arrested during the night after barricading himself in a boat cabin.
- Prosecutor Laetitia Mirande announces investigation for violence resulting in death without intent.
Investigation and tributes
The Lorient prosecutor, Laetitia Mirande, announced on Sunday that an investigation had been opened for "violence resulting in death without intent to kill."
It is too early to say the exact circumstances of the death and the altercation.
The municipal council of Locmaria paid tribute to Rousselot on Facebook, stating that he "embodied his commune" and "defended its singularity with passion and enthusiasm." The statement added that his new mandate was full of projects close to his heart, and that his team would now carry them forward.
