The teenager accused of assaulting a national police officer with an ax at a gas station in Alicante is set to be moved to a court-determined facility in Murcia for psychiatric treatment after being found not guilty due to a recognized mental illness. The acquittal came from Criminal Court No. 2 in Alicante, which concluded that the defendant could not be held responsible for the alleged offense because his mental state at the time impaired his ability to understand the nature of his acts and distinguish right from wrong. This outcome follows a multifaceted legal process in which the initial charge of aggravated bodily harm gave way to the mental health-based verdict that released him from criminal liability for the assault charge. The court ordered that he receive care within a civilian psychiatric hospital in Murcia for up to three years and four months, and he received a full exemption on the basis of his mental illness.
The case began with the public prosecution accusing the teenager of causing serious injury to another person during the incident. The private accusation was brought by the Spanish Confederation of Police (CEP), represented by Carlos Frigola, while the union JUPOL pursued popular action through legal counsel Raquel Sanchez. The courtroom discussion focused on whether the defendant’s mental condition absolved him of criminal responsibility under applicable criminal law and whether safety considerations required a psychiatric intervention rather than a conventional prison term. After evaluating expert testimony and the defendant’s prior behavior, the court proceeded with an acquittal on the grounds of mental illness, coupled with a commitment to psychiatric treatment instead of prison.
The court’s decision also established a monetary sanction connected to the incident. In addition to the detention framework, the defendant was ordered to compensate two officers who were injured during the event, with 400 euros owed to each officer. The financial consequence reflects the injuries observed by law enforcement personnel at the scene and underscores the dual approach of the ruling: treatment for mental illness paired with a civil damage assessment. The amount is intended to address the immediate medical or out-of-pocket costs associated with the officers’ injuries and to acknowledge the impact of the incident on public safety personnel.
Details of the incident indicate that on April 3, 2022, a gas station employee on Avenida Pintor Gastón Castelló in Alicante confronted a weapon-wielding individual who believed he faced a robbery. The suspect brandished an ax in a manner that alarmed the worker and prompted the arrival of multiple patrol units. When officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, the assailant hurled the ax toward a police officer’s head, which narrowly missed the officer and allowed another person to escape the scene. The assailant was subsequently subdued and detained without further incident. The narrative emphasizes the precarious nature of the confrontation and the rapid involvement of law enforcement in averting a potential escalation.
Following the truce of the courtroom proceedings on that Tuesday, the defendant remained in professional custody until the moment of the trial, at which point the decision was reached to transfer him to the Murcia psychiatric hospital for ongoing mental health treatment. The transfer reflects the court’s emphasis on rehabilitative care and the belief that the defendant’s condition warrants ongoing clinical management rather than punitive confinement. The arrangement will allow psychiatric specialists to monitor his condition and implement treatment strategies aimed at stabilizing mental health and reducing any risk of harm to the public in the future.
400 euro for injuries
In addition to the detention-related provisions, the judgment requires compensation totaling 800 euros for the two officers who sustained injuries in the incident to be disbursed, with 400 euros payable to each officer. This component of the ruling recognizes the officers’ injuries and assigns a monetary responsibility to the defendant within the framework of the civil consequences linked to the case. The combination of a mental health acquittal and a civil damages directive illustrates the court’s effort to balance safety concerns, accountability, and the defendant’s medical needs.
The timeline of events traces back to the afternoon when a confrontation at a petrol station drew police attention. The assailant, whose understanding of the situation was in question due to his mental state, faced immediate intervention by public safety personnel. The confrontation prompted several patrols to respond, and the incident concluded only after the ax was diverted from harm and the suspect was restrained. The case has drawn attention as an instance in which mental health considerations played a pivotal role in outcomes that would otherwise implicate serious criminal charges.
Throughout the proceedings, the defense and prosecution debated the appropriate consequence for the defendant, given the mental health assessment. The court’s ruling to forgo a criminal conviction and instead direct treatment in a psychiatric hospital reflects a framework that prioritizes rehabilitation and clinical oversight when a person’s mental health challenges are central to the behavior in question. This approach aligns with established practices for cases involving serious violence where the defendant’s capacity to form criminal intent is compromised.
As of today, the defendant’s stay in the Murcia facility is anticipated to continue for the prescribed period, with continual medical review to determine the appropriate timeline for discharge or extension. The outcome highlights the judiciary’s commitment to fair adjudication that addresses public safety, the well-being of the defendant, and the rights of those who suffered injuries during the incident. Authorities and observers will continue to monitor the situation for developments related to mental health care strategies and the ongoing impacts on all parties involved.