Riots in La Villeneuve

Riots broke out in the neighborhood of La Villeneuve in the southeastern city of Grenoble during the late-night hours on 16 July 2010. Youths took to the streets shortly after attending the memorial service of a 27-year-old man who had been shot and killed by police after allegedly robbing a casino outside the city. The youths were armed with bats and iron bars and attacked a tram, forcing the passengers out. When police officers intervened, the rioters began to burn vehicles parked on the streets and fought back against the security forces. One of the youths fired a gun at the police officers, though there were no reports of serious injuries. Police officers used tear gas to disperse the rioters. At least 65 cars were burned in two nights of violence, while five people were arrested on charges of looting, torching vehicles and vandalism. The violence decreased significantly during the overnight hours on 18-19 July, and there are no indications that the disturbances have spread to other cities.