A stolen van rammed a Mossos d'Esquadra police car, causing it to overturn and injuring two officers, during a pursuit in Santa Margarida de Montbui early Friday morning. Police later arrested the 34-year-old driver in Igualada after a night-long search across the Anoia comarca.
The dangerous incident began shortly after 00:30 when the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, conducted a routine traffic control. This checkpoint was situated on kilometre 63 of the C-37 road, specifically at the entrance to Santa Margarida de Montbui. A van then attempted to evade the stop and flee the scene.
Police Pursuit Leads to Collision
Patrols immediately began pursuing the fleeing vehicle towards the town centre of Santa Margarida de Montbui. On Carretera de Valls, near Calle de Santa Margarida, the van deliberately collided with one of the police cars. The significant impact caused the Mossos d'Esquadra vehicle to overturn in the middle of the road. Additionally, several other parked vehicles in the vicinity also sustained damage from the collision.
Both officers inside the overturned police car managed to exit the vehicle independently. One officer suffered minor injuries. The other sustained less serious injuries, including a fractured arm, according to reports from ElCaso.com. The van driver used the ensuing accident as an opportunity to escape the immediate area.
Stolen Vehicle and Driver Arrest
However, the pursuing police officers had already noted the van's appearance and registration number. A subsequent check against police databases confirmed the vehicle was stolen. Consequently, the Mossos d'Esquadra, collaborating with the Local Police of Igualada, launched an extensive search operation. This coordinated effort continued throughout the night across the Anoia region.
Around 08:30, officers successfully located the stolen van on Calle Italia in the Polígon les Comes d'Igualada. The 34-year-old driver remained inside the vehicle and police promptly arrested him. IgualadaNews first reported the successful apprehension. The individual, a resident of the Anoia comarca, has a long history of police records, indicating previous encounters with law enforcement.
The arrested man faces multiple serious charges. These include reckless driving, causing injuries, assault on an authority agent, damages, and theft or unauthorised use of a vehicle. This incident highlights the inherent dangers police officers encounter during routine traffic controls and high-speed pursuits in Catalonia.
Come and join our Barcelona English Speakers community on WhatsApp.
Originally published by El Caso (El Nacional). Read original article.
