Two observant men helped Mossos d'Esquadra officers arrest a 52-year-old repeat offender after he robbed a petrol station in Sant Vicenç dels Horts with a knife. The incident occurred on Wednesday, 6 May, at 06:45.
The man entered the establishment and threatened the worker with a knife, which had a blade of approximately 20 centimetres. The employee immediately handed over about 500 euros from the till. The robber then left the petrol station, located in the municipality within the Barcelona metropolitan area.
Two men, who were starting their work shift at another company, noticed the individual's suspicious behaviour and appearance as he exited. They immediately called the Mossos d'Esquadra, reporting that the man "had done something," even without knowing the exact crime. Simultaneously, the petrol station worker also triggered an emergency alert, informing police of the robbery.
Citizen Vigilance Leads to Pursuit
The two witnesses demonstrated quick thinking by discreetly following the robber while speaking with police operators. They observed him discard the knife into some bushes, providing key evidence for the investigation. This important information allowed police to track the suspect's movements effectively.
Police Intercept at Train Station
Officers from the Mossos d'Esquadra's Unitat de Seguretat Ciutadana (USC) responded swiftly. They headed towards the local train station. Police often anticipate that criminals committing such offences in towns where they do not live will use public transport to return home. This common pattern guided their response.
Suspect's Arrest and Extensive Criminal Record
At the train station, Mossos d'Esquadra identified and detained the suspect. He is a 52-year-old Spanish national, born in Barcelona, with an extensive criminal history. Authorities accuse him of a crime of robbery with violence and intimidation. The man is a drug addict and typically commits violent robberies at petrol stations to fund his drug use, according to El Caso. He has accumulated 39 previous police records.
Recovery of Stolen Items
Thanks to the swift actions of the witnesses, officers successfully recovered both the knife used in the robbery and the approximately 500 euros stolen from the petrol station. The collaboration between the public and law enforcement proved important in resolving the incident. The arrest highlights the important role community vigilance plays in supporting police efforts to combat crime in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
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Originally published by El Caso (El Nacional). Read original article.
