A 71-year-old man was detained by the Elche Local Police after he submitted a complaint alleging sexual abuse by a young woman he had been with. The case arose on a bus traveling the Crevillent to Alicante route. Police records indicate the incident began when the victim stepped off the vehicle and confirmed to officers that she had been pursued by the man, who appeared to be following her after the journey ended.
The events unfolded on the afternoon of the 25th. A patrol was directed to Elche’s bus station after a report from a young woman. She described how a fellow passenger, who had fallen asleep during the trip, had touched her chest. Upon awakening, she realized the contact and, feeling frightened, chose not to notify anyone at that moment. After alighting at Elche bus station, she observed that the person continued to follow her, which heightened her fear. She managed to get in touch with the police team nearby and provided the details of the encounter, hoping for protection and clarification on what had taken place.
Although the young woman gave a detailed description and a photograph, the person who had approached the officers to discuss the incident left the scene when requested. After sharing the description with other patrols in the area, the man who had asked the agents about “what happened on the bus” was located. He claimed that the young woman had pressed her chest with her hand while leaning against an armrest, insisting that there was never any intention to touch her, and he pointed out that the girl’s account did not reflect a deliberate act on his part.
public health
In a separate development, a Local Police patrol arrested the same man on defendants alleging public health violations after authorities found 40 grams of marijuana in a backpack. The search occurred during a checkpoint at the entrance to El Pinet near La Marina Beach on the afternoon of July 17. The officers had initially halted a vehicle, but the driver did not stop and continued a short distance before abandoning the pursuit. During the stop, the driver attempted to hand the mysterious backpack to one of three accompanying minors. The man later explained to officers that he had bought the substance for consumption by several people in the group.
The individual was taken into custody on charges related to public health offenses, while the three minors involved were placed under guardianship with the person identified by the authorities as connected to the incident. The police emphasized the seriousness of the matter, noting that distributing or facilitating drug use around minors is treated with particular severity and is addressed through a careful, procedural response to ensure safety and accountability.
The broader patrols continued their work to prevent similar incidents and to protect the well-being of residents and travelers in the area. The authorities reminded the public to report any behavior that could compromise safety on public transport and at popular leisure sites, and they reaffirmed their commitment to a transparent and lawful response to all complaints and reports brought forward by witnesses and victims.