A government councilor from Maracena, Vanessa Romero, was abducted at gunpoint on Tuesday morning by a person known to her, an individual who had already been detained earlier for illegal detention. The incident left Romero held for several hours until she managed to escape, according to sources speaking to EFE for the ongoing investigation.
The events unfolded in the morning hours and are now the subject of a formal inquiry by the Civil Guard. Romero is a public figure connected to the municipality’s governance, and the incident reportedly occurred as she was performing routine duties in the Granada metropolitan area. She had taken her children to a local school in Atarfe, a nearby town, when the assailant approached and allegedly requested a ride to a nearby gas station before the situation rapidly escalated.
Inside the vehicle, it is reported that the assailant, who has a history of mental health concerns and is currently undergoing psychological and psychiatric treatment, produced a firearm. He threatened Romero and drove her to a location outside Maracena, where he kept her under control for several hours until she finally escaped and sought safety. The motive behind the abduction remains under investigation, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the sequence of events.
The person identified as the suspect has already faced arrest in connection with the incident and is described by investigators as someone who had direct access to Romero through shared professional or civic circles. In response, security forces stepped up protective measures for Romero and those close to her, providing temporary safeguarding until more information about the whereabouts and intentions of the suspect could be established.
According to statements given by the mayor, the suspect is not a resident of Romero’s household. He was known to some government colleagues in the area, though contact with them had been limited in recent times. The mayor emphasized that there was no risk to the core members of the council, but stressed the seriousness of the incident and the need for thorough verification of all relationships involved and any potential threats.
Authorities have urged calm across the community while continuing to assess the situation and coordinate with security services. The mayor requested patience from residents and reiterated that preparations were underway to ensure the safety of the council and public staff in the wake of this alarming event. The mayor also expressed gratitude for the support received from local teams and the broader security network, noting that the investigation would proceed to its conclusion with full transparency and accountability.
Further details are expected to emerge at a planned press conference scheduled for Wednesday, where officials intend to outline the progress of the inquiry, potential charges, and the protective arrangements currently in place for those involved. The community awaits clearer explanations from the authorities as the investigation advances and the public seeks reassurances about safety and governance in the municipality.