Algerian man arrested after machete attack in Alicante linked to a mobile phone dispute

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A 42-year-old Algerian man was arrested in Murcia on suspicion of attempting to kill a acquaintance in Alicante with a machete. The alleged motive arose from a dispute over a mobile phone that the victim had lent to him. After the owner asked for the return of the device, tensions escalated, and the suspect struck the victim in the head with a machete, leaving a serious wound on the front left of the skull.

A patrol car from the National Police’s Citizen Security Brigade arrived at the scene, gathering all pertinent details and coordinating with emergency services to transport the injured person to hospital. The victim described the incident as an attempt on his life by a friend.

According to the victim, a heated argument began over the telephone lent to the suspect. When the victim pressed for the return of the device, the dispute intensified and the situation quickly turned violent.

During the confrontation, the attacker briefly left and returned carrying a bag. Within moments, he produced a sizable machete and, with calculated force, struck the victim’s head, causing a bleeding wound that required immediate medical care.

Flight

Two bystanders intervened during the assault, helping to restrain the aggressor and persuade him to stop. The attacker fled the scene and eluded the responding police units for a time.

Witnesses were identified by National Police officers, who also recovered photographs depicting the assailant being restrained by several individuals while in possession of the machete. Investigators obtained these images to support the case.

The victim was transported to General Hospital for treatment, where medical staff applied staples to close the wound and monitor his condition closely.

Investigators from the Alicante Province Judicial Police Brigade Violent Crime Group took charge of the case. They confirmed the suspect’s identity and collected data about his personal address and frequented locations. Surveillance footage yielded no immediate breakthroughs, but the inquiry continued to develop on several fronts.

In a coordinated effort, the authorities traced possible locations of the suspect, suspecting he may have fled toward Murcia or nearby areas. A regional alert was issued to law enforcement agencies in the adjacent zones to exercise heightened vigilance in case of a confrontation with a detainee. Two weeks after the incident, the suspect was eventually located in a gaming venue in a town in Murcia and promptly arrested.

The detainee, who did not have a prior criminal record before these events, was brought to Alicante for processing. Although the victim’s condition remained stable and not life-threatening, investigators continued the inquiry to determine any potential medical complications related to the injuries sustained.

Citizen cooperation

The police emphasize that cooperation from the public is essential to maintaining public safety. When citizens and the police work together, the capacity to prevent and resolve crimes is strengthened. The authorities encourage anyone who witnesses a criminal act to report it and to assist the investigation while protecting their own privacy as needed. This collaboration supports a broader sense of shared responsibility for the welfare of the community and its residents.

Officials remind the public that actions leading to criminal charges are treated under Spanish law. People who witness crimes can report them and help authorities while keeping sensitive information confidential if they choose. The message reinforces the idea that police effectiveness grows with community involvement and vigilance, helping to safeguard the well-being of everyone in the area. [Citation: National Police]

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