Attack of October 17 in Nice: police launch appeal for witnesses following violence at Micromania

After the assault on the manager of the Micromania store, located on Avenue Jean-Médecin in Nice, the National Police of Alpes-Maritimes has launched an appeal for witnesses. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 17, 2026, around 5:30 PM, when the shopkeeper was attempting to prevent the looting of his store.

The National Police of Alpes-Maritimes is searching for witnesses following violent acts committed against the manager of a Micromania store in downtown Nice. On Saturday, October 17, 2026, around 5:30 PM, the manager of the store located at 35 Avenue Jean-Médecin was violently assaulted from behind by an individual while he was attempting to prevent the looting of his shop.

Images of the assault, widely shared on social media, had prompted numerous reactions. The shopkeeper, whose first name is Pierre, had stood up to several individuals who were attempting to enter the store. The shop was ultimately looted along with about fifteen others on Avenue Jean-Médecin that day. Since Saturday, 114 people have been arrested, all aged between 12 and 49 years old. Half of them are minors.

Pierre recounts his intervention against the rioters

Questioned after the assault, Pierre reflected on his intervention against the individuals who were attempting to enter the store. « At one point, I stood in front to prevent people from entering, that’s all », explained the shopkeeper. Speaking to our colleagues at ICI Provence, the manager also shared: « I cannot intellectualize what happened. That may come a little after the battle. » Looking back, Pierre acknowledged that he had taken a risk by attempting to block them. « I think I shouldn’t have done it anyway. It was foolish. But at the moment, that’s what I did. »

The shopkeeper also indicated that he still has « back pain » following the incident, without having yet had time to see a doctor. Since the images were released, Pierre has received numerous messages of support. A wave of solidarity that also concerns other merchants affected by the looting that occurred in Nice on October 17.

An appeal for witnesses to identify the attacker

As part of the investigation opened following these acts of intentional violence, the National Police of Alpes-Maritimes is asking anyone who may have useful information to come forward. Photographs of the individual being sought accompany this appeal for witnesses.

Anyone with information can contact the National Police at 04.92.17.20.63.

The objective is to gather testimonies that could help investigators identify the perpetrator of the assault committed at the Micromania store on Avenue Jean-Médecin. The incident occurred in connection with the violence and looting that affected several businesses in downtown Nice on Saturday, October 17, 2026.