A 26-year-old man was taken into custody on Monday after an attempted attack that involved striking and strangling a 21-year-old woman. The incident occurred at a residence in Paterna, located in the Valencia region, where authorities say the young woman was found concealed within a sofa during the intervention.
Local police from Paterna split their response into two teams, arriving at the La Coma neighborhood after neighbors alerted authorities with a fear that violence would be used against the woman. Police sources confirmed to EFE that the warning prompted a rapid on-site assessment and the decision to secure the premises for a thorough search.
The person detained is described by authorities as a repeat offender with a documented history of violence against women. He has a docket of fourteen prior charges, affecting approximately seven or eight different women, according to the records reviewed by investigators.
Officers initially faced resistance at the door, with the suspect delaying entry. Eventually, after negotiating access, the two police units proceeded to search the home to locate the victim and ensure her safety. The operation unfolded with careful coordination as officers moved through the residence to confirm whether the woman was present and perceivable threats had been neutralized.
During the search, as the officers were preparing to leave the premises in search of further evidence, an agent spotted a sofa that concealed a bed and, according to sources, discovered the young woman hidden in a disturbing scene. The discovery prompted immediate medical attention to be provided at the scene and the local health center was advised for further evaluation and care, given the visible injuries observed on the victim.
The woman, visibly injured, was transported to a nearby health facility for treatment and assessment. Local authorities indicated that the injuries appeared to be consistent with violence, and medical staff prepared to address both physical and emotional needs as part of the initial response.
The detainee remains in custody at the Paterna police station. The investigation has been taken over by the Family and Women’s Care Unit, UFAM, which is coordinating confirmatory interviews, witness collection, and the compilation of evidence to support the charges being pursued. No further details about the case have been released publicly while investigators continue to work, and authorities say the case will proceed through the appropriate judicial channels to determine the outcome.”