Charly, the mystery accident” of the star of the bar” | M6 | 66 minutes

A simple accident or a botched robbery: what happened to Charly Pré, owner of Le Relax” bar and local idol in Pussay? That’s the question on the lips of every one of the 2100 souls in this hamlet nestling in the heart of the Essonne. Whether a card tournament, a boule’s match or the impeccably run bar during the mythical Paris-Pussay cycle race, Charly had all the trappings of a star, shaped by his legendary cheeky humor and his love of vintage cars. He made a solid couple with Corinne, his “beloved wife” and nobody could name a single enemy of his. However, his peaceful existence was shattered on April 21 last. As on every Tuesday since 2007, Charly headed for the bank to deposit the week’s takings. At around 11am, the former delivery driver’s Ford was found wrapped around a tree. Emergency services that rushed to the scene were unable to revive Charly. Although early indications pointed to an accident, two black cars found burned out a few hundred yards from the scene of the tragedy attracted the attention of the local gendarmes. A criminal case is soon opened. And investigators are to make an incredible discovery: upon examination of video surveillance images, they see that when Charly leaves the bar he is pursued by two high-powered cars with tinted windows. The hypotheses of a robbery that went wrong appears to be forming. Except, how to explain why the villains did not steal the 14,800 Euros that the fifty-year-old barman had on him? Were they scared off? Were they really out to steal the Ford? A mystery. For the moment, investigators are unable to lay their hands on any potential suspects. A week after the “accident” the residents of Pussay paid a final homage to Charly with a silent march. As a symbolic gesture, his wife Corinne continues to run “Le Relax” to keep alive the myth of the star of the bar.”