Police arrested a US tourist in Barcelona's Eixample district on Monday morning, 24 June. He allegedly assaulted three women on the street. The incident occurred before 09:00 at the junction of Enric Granados and Mallorca streets. This is a busy area for residents and businesses.

The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's police force, detained the suspect. The three women sustained minor injuries. Ambulances from the Sistema d’Emergències Mèdiques (SEM), the Catalan emergency medical system, attended to them at the scene. They received treatment on the street for their injuries.

"When I looked out, the man was already subdued, lying on the ground and controlled by the police," explained a waitress working in a local establishment. She was near where the arrest took place. Several neighbours became aware of the incident due to the significant police and medical presence. They reported seeing "two or three ambulances and three or four Mossos cars." However, none witnessed the actual assaults.

Eixample Incident Prompts Police Response

The Eixample district, home to over 260,000 residents, is a major central area of Barcelona known for its grid-like street plan and modernist architecture. This incident caused early morning alarm in the neighbourhood. It drew a rapid response from emergency services. Officers from the National Police also assisted the Mossos d'Esquadra at the scene. They collaborated in the immediate aftermath. Police transferred the suspect to a medical centre for attention following his arrest.

Investigation into Motive Continues

The Mossos d'Esquadra have opened an investigation to determine the motive for the attack. Authorities believe the suspect may have suffered a mental health disorder. This could explain his actions. The assaults did not cause serious injuries to any of the women. Medical personnel confirmed this fact. The police investigation aims to clarify the full circumstances surrounding the incident. This event shows the ongoing efforts to maintain public safety for both residents and visitors in Barcelona's popular areas.

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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.