alert call
When uncertainty climbs, fleeing can feel safer. That quick impression proved true for several pedestrians on a quiet Alicante street last Monday, when a man walked through a crowd with a firearm and declared himself captain of a group called the Legion. Local officers from the Rapid Response Operational Group of the Alicante Local Police, known as GOIR, acted swiftly to intervene, detaining the individual and securing the area. The weapon appeared to be a shotgun, and early assessments suggested it could be a convincingly real firearm, even though some initial indications pointed toward a replica. Police sources later identified the tool as a Winnus air pistol chambered for 4.5 mm rounds, capable of projecting metal darts and heightening the sense of danger in the moment of confrontation [Authorities GOIR].
alert call
The incident unfolded shortly before 7:00 p.m. on General Espartero Street in Alicante. Passersby alerted authorities after seeing a man walking down the street with a weapon and making threatening gestures toward bystanders. Local residents reported that the man appeared intoxicated and claimed a military rank, fueling panic and prompting people to flee and contact emergency lines. In a tense stretch of minutes, officers balanced the risk to the public with the need to resolve the situation without anyone getting hurt.
The surge of activity drew more witnesses into the scene as GOIR officers began a careful, methodical search of the surrounding area to locate the suspect. The description provided by witnesses—a bald man in military-style trousers and in possession of a handgun—guided the operation toward a nearby street corner where officers increased surveillance and prepared for a possible confrontation.
The police units coordinated their approach to minimize danger to bystanders while closing in on the suspect. A moment of heightened risk arose when the man tried to raise the weapon during the confrontation, but the officers responded with precision, preventing immediate escalation. The suspect was contained with professional restraint, and the surrounding streets were secured to prevent escape or harm to pedestrians nearby.
When control was established, authorities confirmed the weapon type: a 4.5 mm Winnus air pistol capable of firing metal darts. The findings clarified that while the device could mimic lethal potential, it operated as an air-powered tool. The incident highlights the challenge police face when weapons can resemble real firearms, underscoring the importance of rapid, measured action in crowded urban settings [Police briefing GOIR].
Investigation teams began documenting the scene, collecting eyewitness accounts, and tracing the sequence of events that led to the surrounding of the suspect. Officers conducted a routine welfare check on nearby residents to ensure there were no additional threats or injuries. The immediate focus remained on public safety while investigators determined whether there was any intent beyond the initial display of force and whether the man had affiliations with organized groups.
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and interviewing witnesses to build a complete timeline of the events. No serious injuries were reported, and the suspect was transported to a local facility for further assessment and questioning. The case continues to be reviewed officially to determine charges and any potential implications related to public safety, weapons possession, and disorderly conduct. Local officials emphasized staying calm and compliant in similar situations to prevent harm and to allow responders to work effectively [Public Safety Update]. [Authorities GOIR]