A 78-year-old man was taken into custody in the BelizenaA district of Vegas del Genil in Granada after an incident that left his family shaken and prompted a rapid response from local authorities. Civil Guard sources confirmed to EFE that the man, who had been living with other family members not far from where the confrontation occurred, became the focal point of a tense and dangerous sequence of events that unfolded on a quiet Christmas Day afternoon. The scene quickly bridged the distance between domestic conflict and public safety as officers arrived to manage a rapidly evolving situation and secure the area.
The confrontation began around 6:15 p.m. on Monday, when the elderly man, accompanied by his two daughters, a grandson, and a son-in-law, arrived at the home where his estranged wife was staying. Witnesses described a heated argument that escalated as he pressed the issue of reconciliation, insisting that she accompany him to his residence. The tension in the home was palpable, with family members feeling the strain of a long-standing relationship fracture that had brought emotional wounds to a critical point. In the moment, the visitors to the home attempted to find a resolution, but the discord rapidly shifted from quarrel to crisis, turning a familial disagreement into a dangerous standoff.
After being expelled from the house, the man returned with a shotgun, marking a dramatic and alarming turn in the incident. He retreated to a secure part of the property and locked himself inside what was described as a basement area near a garage. The situation evolved from verbal exchanges to a potential threat, as those inside the home faced the likelihood of further danger should the assailant decide to act with lethal force. The moment required a careful, restrained response from everyone involved, including the family members who remained in the house and the first responders who were en route to establish control of the scene and ensure the safety of nearby residents.
According to Civil Guard information, the man breached the door and aimed the rifle toward the interior, firing several shots into the room where his wife and others had taken shelter. Despite the alarming actions, no injuries were reported at that moment, which is a critical detail in assessing the overall risk and the immediate needs of those inside. The gunfire prompted a swift mobilization of emergency services and law enforcement personnel, who coordinated to de-escalate the situation and prevent a possible tragedy. The use of a firearm in a domestic setting highlighted the severity of the threat and the necessity of a measured, rapid response to protect life and property in the rural-urban perimeter of Granada.
Authorities later stated that five people were at risk during the incident and were taken into custody by Civil Guard officers on charges related to attempted murder. The facts point to a confrontation that began with a dispute over the estranged wife, but the investigation would extend to examine all actions taken by each participant and the sequence of events that led to the gunfire. The Civil Guard continued to gather evidence and interview witnesses to construct a complete narrative of what happened, including the moments leading up to the shooting and the decision to retreat to a defensible space within the home. The charges reflect the concern for the safety of all those present and the potential for harm that escalated from a domestic disagreement to an armed confrontation.
112 Emergency Service officials reported to EFE that they coordinated the response with Local Police and Civil Guard units, reinforcing how crucial timely communication is in situations with high risk of panic and harm. The providers noted that several individuals experienced anxiety and symptoms of a panic crisis in the wake of the event, underscoring the mental health considerations that often accompany violent incidents. The authorities emphasized their commitment to treating those affected with care while continuing the investigative work that will determine accountability and inform any ongoing safety measures for the community in the Vega del Genil area. In the days following Christmas, residents remained attentive to the evolving case, awaiting official updates about the investigation and any steps being taken to prevent a recurrence of such a dangerous domestic disturbance.