Thief shot dead by French police after casino robbery

A young thief was shot and killed Thursday night in Grenoble, south-eastern France, during a shoot-out with police following the robbery of a casino. It's the third such robbery in the region in as many months.

Karim Boudouda, 27, who has been convicted for armed robbery three times, was killed as police chased him after fleeing the casino, Uriage-les-Bains.

Heavily armed, and with an accomplice, Boudouda made off with cash while the casino was crowded and then escaped by car.

The first exchange of fire took place with police in pursuit. A police officer suffered minor injuries after a bullet grazed his lips.

The chase then continued to Bac, in the busy district of Villeneuve, from where Boudouda originates.

“The criminals were stopped in their vehicle, the driver and the passenger got out. They opened fire on the police at least three times,” Grenoble’s state prosecutor, Jean Philippe, told the media.

“Police then fired back – one from inside the car with a shotgun and another from outside the car, striking Boudada to the head."

Police found cash estimated at between 20,000 and 40,000 euros in a bag in the back of the vehicle.

Philippe said an autopsy is due to take place on Saturday, with initial findings suggesting self-defence.

"An assault rifle and machine gun were found near the deceased criminal," he said.

Boudouda's accomplice is still on the run. Police presence will be beefed up on Friday night in Villeneuve.