Authorities in Spain reported the arrest of a man in his 30s on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old with a perceived mental disability after an encounter at a bus stop and subsequent pursuit on a metro system in Torrent, Valencia. The case has been brought before the Torrent court, which has assumed jurisdiction, with provisional detention and a bail decision pending further proceedings.
The incident unfolded on the afternoon of August 29, near the Ángel Guimerá metro station in Valencia, as the 17-year-old was boarding the subway. Surveillance footage from the station’s security cameras shows a man who would later be identified as a suspect disembarking from the same train alongside the victim, and investigators are reviewing the footage as part of their inquiry to determine the perpetrator of the alleged assault.
According to ongoing reporting, the assailant allegedly deceived the victim and exploited her disability to coerce sexual acts, including oral sex, and, at another moment, sexual penetration while hiding between parked vehicles, all without witnesses catching the events. The victim has described a moment of fear and silence, not raising an alarm due to fear, as the incident occurred. Biological traces from the crime scene were recovered, contributing to the identification of the suspect.
Following the initial investigation, authorities secured the security footage and a photographic identification process by the victim, which together provided critical leads that aided in pinpointing the suspect. The National Police Family and Women’s Care Unit (UFAM) conducted the formal investigation and filed charges related to aggravated sexual assault. The location of the offense is within Torrent’s jurisdiction, which is why the preliminary court in Valencia directed the case to proceed under that jurisdiction.
Earlier, a separate police operation in Valencia’s Campanar district led to the man’s identification and the discovery of an outstanding arrest warrant related to sexual assault, which further reinforced the case against him. The suspect, who has a prior criminal record, declined to testify at both the police station and the subsequent police court proceedings. The Valencia number one Investigation Court granted protective measures and ordered provisional imprisonment without bail, noting the victim’s vulnerability and the seriousness of the alleged offenses.
The investigation continues as prosecutors build the case with additional evidence gathered from witness statements, forensic analysis, and the security materials reviewed by investigators. The public remains informed through official updates that emphasize the ongoing nature of the inquiry and the court’s role in ensuring due process for all parties involved. No further details are being released at this stage to protect ongoing investigative efforts and the privacy of those affected. [Citations: National Police; UFAM; Valencia Court Authority]