An incident in Ricla, the town of Zaragoza in the Valdejalón region, prompted a rapid response from the Civil Guard after an attempted kidnapping targeting a 13-year-old girl. The events unfolded on a Friday night, between 19 and 20 hours, in a municipal park where the girl, accompanied by two friends, was trying to stay safe amid growing concern in the area.
According to the girl’s parents, the three youths were confronted by men who attempted to abduct the teenager. The attackers reportedly opened fire at the group as they tried to escape. The teenager and her companions managed to break away from the assailants and flee to nearby streets, calling out for help as they rushed to safety.
Despite the danger, the bravery of the group played a crucial role. The friends supported the girl, and she resisted the approach of the attackers. Their quick thinking and collective courage allowed them to reach a safer location, away from the immediate threat.
The Civil Guard is reviewing surveillance footage from the municipality to identify the suspects. Officials say cameras in the area are being examined to piece together the sequence of events and determine what happened before the escape. They are asking residents with any information to come forward to assist the investigation.
Local authorities are emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant and reporting suspicious behavior promptly. The incident has raised concerns among residents about public safety, especially in the evening hours when parks and open spaces are more frequented by families and children. The police are coordinating with local services to increase patrols in the area as part of ongoing safety measures.
Mayor Ignacio Gutiérrez urged calm and cooperation with investigators. He stressed the need for patience while authorities pursue every lead and noted that the community has remained relatively quiet in recent times. He acknowledged that, alongside this incident, there have been several robberies in the region and called on residents to remain alert and follow guidance from law enforcement. The mayor’s message emphasized trust in the investigation and a collective effort to protect local youth and families. [Citation: Civil Guard update]