A Golfe-Juan restaurateur says he was violently assaulted by a driver while crossing the street mid-service on Saturday, an act he described as gratuitous and one that has left him shaken both physically and emotionally.
Fabrice Fumia, who runs Le Jardin du Port, told France 3 Côte d'Azur the incident happened around 1pm as he and two servers crossed toward the restaurant's terrace carrying food and drinks for customers. A driver failed to stop, narrowly missing him, and Fumia reacted. What followed was a barrage of punches from the motorist. Several witnesses briefly restrained the driver, who managed to break free and flee the scene before police arrived.
Fumia, who said he could have lost his life in the encounter, has received an outpouring of support after sharing photos of his injuries on social media. He noted that restaurant staff crossing to reach terrace tables face this risk regularly, given inconsistent driver patience at pedestrian crossings. The driver remains at large.