A court in Alicante has ruled and ordered the imprisonment of a man accused of attacking a police officer with an ax inside an Alicante gas station, a development confirmed by sources familiar with the case. The investigation has involved more than one alleged assailant, with eight months passing since arrests were pursued after the suspect failed to attend court. The duty court at the time ordered the arrest, yet the individual vanished from sight after being released following his arrest.
Two police unions participated in advancing the case. The Spanish Confederation of Police represented by lawyer Carlos Frigola argued on behalf of the officer injured during the intervention. The other side, represented by the Jupol union through attorney Rachel Sanchez, pushed for the suspect’s arrest, while the prosecution did not deem that measure necessary at that stage. The case drew involvement from senior figures in the Alicante Criminal Court who decided to proceed with a provisional imprisonment, noting concerns that the accused could attempt to flee to avoid a potential three-year prison sentence. The court order indicated that the accused would be held on the street for months and lacked a verified residence.
In the courtroom, the defendant was not present on the day the hearing was adjourned, a scene captured in photos from the session. The incident underlying the case occurred on a Sunday afternoon at a gas station on Avenida Gaston Castello in Alicante. The accused appeared highly agitated and carried an ax as police teams rushed to the scene after a security alarm was activated. As officers moved to encircle him, the suspect reportedly swung the ax toward one of them, with the weapon narrowly missing impact before the officers were able to subdue him and bring the situation under control.
The authorities have charged the individual with assault on authority using a dangerous tool. Prosecutors indicated that the accused should face trial for attempted murder. A hearing related to those charges was scheduled for the following month, with dates set for February. The case continues to unfold as prosecutors pursue the appropriate legal channels while the defense presents its arguments in court.
Stun guns and crowd-control considerations have entered the dialogue surrounding the case. The defense contended that the police could have used connectable non-lethal means to manage the situation more efficiently. Advocates for enhanced equipment and training argue that modern, non-lethal tools could reduce risks for both officers and the public without compromising safety. The discussion has extended into conversations about the equipment carried by citizen security patrols and the role such tools play in rapid response scenarios. A spokesperson for Jupol expressed the belief that police units should be equipped with taser pistols as a matter of urgency, noting that procurement has already occurred at the higher levels of security administration. This stance was described by the official as essential to improving on-scene safety while ensuring accountability and rapid intervention.
In the broader context, the case underscores ongoing debates about police equipment, courtroom procedures, and the balance between immediate deterrence and careful legal processing. The incidents at the gas station highlight the unpredictable nature of violent encounters and the challenges faced by law enforcement when confronting armed individuals. As the legal process advances, stakeholders emphasize the need for clear procedures and appropriate tools that can protect officers, witnesses, and bystanders alike. The court will continue to weigh the evidence, the severity of the charges, and the risks associated with detention in the period before verdicts are reached. Cited accounts from the parties involved indicate a shared interest in swift and fair resolution, tempered by concerns about public safety and the integrity of the legal process. [Citation: Alicante judicial proceedings archive]