A 64-year-old man was injured last Tuesday in Alicante in an assault that began over a dispute about parking in a space reserved for disabled people. The assailant, a 39-year-old driver, confronted the elderly man after he found his vehicle in a spot marked for accessibility. Police say the confrontation quickly escalated, culminating in physical violence that left the older man with injuries to the forehead, lips, and mouth. An off-duty civil traffic officer who happened to be in the area intervened when the incident spiraled, attempting to halt the assault and prevent further harm. The officer detained the aggressor and signaled for immediate law enforcement attention, while bystanders watched and called for additional help. The injured man was transported to a hospital for treatment of his facial wounds and any related stress injuries from the confrontation.
The incident occurred around 11:30 am near Rambla de Méndez Núñez, adjacent to the Generalitat building in Alicante. Police reports indicate that a couple was occupying a designated disabled parking space when a second vehicle approached and the driver insisted that the space was not available to him because his own permit was not visible or valid. The situation deteriorated as the responding parties described the aggressor as escalating the dispute into violence, with pedestrians nearby raising alarms about the severity of the attack. An off-duty officer, recognizing the danger, identified himself and attempted to deescalate the scene while awaiting formal police arrival. The officer then coordinated with authorities to ensure the assailant could be taken into custody and questioned by the National Police for a comprehensive investigation.
The National Police, along with the Civil Guard, later confirmed that the off-duty officer played a critical role in stopping the assault and securing the area. The attempted altercation involved the driver pursuing continued aggression even after the initial confrontation had paused, underscoring the need for rapid intervention to protect vulnerable individuals in public spaces. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to establish a clear sequence of events, determine motive, and assess whether any additional charges will be filed. In Alicante, as in many cities, incidents around parking disputes near accessibility spaces highlight ongoing concerns about respecting disabled rights and the safety of pedestrians and motorists alike. The hospital treatment included care for visible facial injuries and monitoring for potential concussion or other complications arising from the blow impacts, with the patient receiving follow-up care instructions before discharge.