Alicante incident: man brandishes simulated pistol causing panic in bar and on the street
In Alicante, a confrontation between two men inside a bar escalated when one of them waved what appeared to be a real pistol and spoke in a menacing tone. The display sparked fear among customers and nearby pedestrians, though the weapon was later identified as a simulation. The carrier, a man about 65 years old, fled with the object and sought refuge in a second café after running down the street with the gun in hand.
The incident unfolded in one of the National Police’s 091 rooms. Inside a Calderón de la Barca street bar, the argument intensified as the suspect threatened other patrons while waving the gun through the air.
When officers arrived urgently, the suspect began to flee. Several units from the Alicante Citizens’ Security Brigades, including motorcycles from the Prevention and Response Unit, pursued him through the area. He managed to reach another bar on nearby Calle San Vicente and entered a restroom, trying to hide.
One officer managed to persuade him to come out from the bathroom and exit the building under high-security conditions, mindful of the risk of tipping off the entire premises. The 091 team quickly contained the situation to prevent a broader threat.
Authorities confirmed that the pistol was loaded and that a cartridge was chambered, suggesting it could be ready to fire. Although the weapon had a realistic look, it proved to be a simulation. In addition to its lifelike appearance, it was reportedly equipped with six-round explosive cartridges, intensifying the perceived danger to onlookers.
Eyewitnesses said the trouble started in a bar where two men were arguing after a heated exchange over unknown reasons. A waiter intervened and separated the pair to an outside table, but moments later one of the individuals pulled out the weapon and began manipulating it. Some witnesses believed the gun was real when a cartridge tumbled out during reload, prompting loud shouts at the other person involved in the dispute.
The display caused panic among patrons, including families with children, and the alarm spread to passers-by who witnessed a visibly agitated man with the weapon. The distress extended through the nearby area as people hurried away from the scene.
The arrested man, who has an extensive criminal record, faces charges of serious threats and disturbance of public order. The National Police remind the public that possessing or carrying simulated weapons on public streets is illegal and carries serious penalties. The incident underscores how a lookalike device can provoke real fear and require swift, cautionary action by law enforcement.
Authorities continue to review surveillance footage and nearby witnesses to determine the full sequence of events and any possible motivations behind the confrontation. The case highlights the delicate balance between public safety and the appearance of danger in busy urban areas, where a single provocative act can trigger widespread concern.