On May 2, 2025, the Guardia Civil successfully apprehended a man in the province of Ávila, who was wanted and had at least three active judicial signals against him. The arrest unfolded dramatically as the suspect attempted a perilous escape, leaping across rooftops in the La Moraña region.
The events leading to this arrest were set in motion days prior when a woman reported to the Guardia Civil that her ex-partner had repeatedly violated protection measures imposed due to a case of gender violence. She also alleged that he had made direct death threats against her. In response to the serious nature of these claims, police assessed the situation and determined that there was an extreme risk to the victim, prompting the immediate activation of all protection protocols.
In the days following the initial report, the woman's current partner informed the authorities that he had seen the suspect lurking near the victim's home, even going so far as to hide a large knife in the surrounding vegetation. This alarming development led to an increase in surveillance and protective measures for the victim.
Further complicating matters, the victim later contacted the agents again to report that the aggressor had called her, attempting to arrange a meeting near the municipal swimming pools of Arévalo, a town in Ávila. Given the escalating risks, the Guardia Civil intensified their efforts to locate the suspect.
Investigators gathered intelligence that the man might be hiding in a residence in La Moraña. After observing suspicious activity, they sought judicial authorization to enter the property and apprehend him. However, upon their arrival, they found the door blocked by various items, allowing the suspect to escape through an interior roof, jumping to a metal tower and accessing a common patio.
Following this escape, the Guardia Civil deployed a significant search operation, utilizing drones and conducting thorough searches of rooftops, patios, and local warehouses. With the assistance of local citizens, the authorities finally located the suspect crouched behind boxes, covered with a sack and a wooden structure in a desperate attempt to hide from the police.
The man resisted arrest but was ultimately taken into custody. The operation was carried out by the Guardia Civil Company of Arévalo and the Citizen Security Unit of the Command. The judicial authority has since ordered his imprisonment due to the severity of the situation.
This incident not only highlights the dangers faced by victims of gender-based violence but also underscores the importance of swift action by law enforcement in such critical situations. The protocols activated by the Guardia Civil were crucial in ensuring the victim's safety and ultimately led to the apprehension of a dangerous individual.
In Spain, the VioGén system is designed to provide comprehensive monitoring and protection for victims of gender violence. It categorizes aggressors based on the level of risk they pose, allowing authorities to take appropriate measures to safeguard those in danger. The system has been instrumental in addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in the country.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone who may be experiencing similar situations to seek help. In Spain, victims can contact the dedicated helpline at 016, which operates 24 hours a day and offers support in multiple languages.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating gender violence and the critical need for vigilance and support for victims. As communities rally around those affected, the hope is that incidents like this will prompt further discussions and actions to prevent future occurrences.
