French Authorities Rescue 9-Year-Old Boy Confined in Van for Over a Year
A 9-year-old boy was rescued in eastern France after being confined in his father's van for over a year, leading to the father's detention and ongoing investigations.
A 9-year-old boy was rescued this week in Hagenbach, eastern France, after being confined in his father's utility van since November 2024, according to local prosecutor Nicolas Heitz. The child was found malnourished and unable to walk due to prolonged immobility.
Police were alerted by a neighbor who reported hearing "sounds of a child" coming from the van. Upon entry, officers discovered the boy lying naked in a fetal position on a pile of trash and near excrement. He had not bathed since 2024.
The father, 43, stated he confined his son to protect him from his partner's intention to send the boy to a psychiatric hospital. However, authorities found no medical records indicating psychiatric issues, noting the child had good grades in school.
The father faces preliminary charges, including kidnapping, and remains in custody. His 37-year-old partner, who denied knowledge of the confinement, was charged with failure to assist a minor in danger and released under judicial supervision. The boy's 12-year-old sister and the partner's 10-year-old daughter have been placed in social services care.
Investigations are ongoing to determine if others were aware of the boy's confinement. Friends and family believed he was in a psychiatric institution, and teachers were informed he had transferred schools. The community has expressed shock over the incident.