The city of Zaragoza witnessed a tense scene as groups gathered to celebrate the holidays, with some singing José Antonio Labordeta’s Song of Freedom while others greeted the festivities with heightened energy. Outside the central Plaza del Pilar, along Calle Viriato in a neighborhood known for its local flavor, a confrontation erupted involving several individuals. Three men were detained in connection with the incident: LAAV, a 57 year old from Ecuador; CS, a 40 year old Italian national; and INA, a 28 year old Spanish national. The arrests reflected a broader aim by local authorities to keep celebrations orderly and safe. A later review by the police indicated that the disturbance occurred shortly after the fireworks marked the start of the holiday period, and it unfolded over several hours from morning into the evening. As is typical on these busy days, National Police officers were alerted to the trouble and sprang into action to prevent further escalation. The three detainees were taken into custody as the situation grew more chaotic around mid to late afternoon.
The officers found CS on the ground near a baseball bat, while LAAV was observed striking and kicking him. The victim later identified INA as the third person involved in the disruption, stating that INA had approached with a group of friends and initiated the altercation. The initial aggressor appeared to be INA, who evidently wielded the bat from the outset, driving the confrontation forward. The police account notes that the bat played a central role in escalating the conflict and that those present tried to separate the parties but the fight intensified before authorities arrived on the scene. The sequence of events suggests a volatile mix of personal dispute and public disturbance during a holiday period that typically attracts more foot traffic and social interaction.
In the words of the second eyewitness, the conflict began after CS began insulting his partner, prompting a defensive reaction that involved the use of the bat. During the struggle, CS attempted to reach for or disarm the weapon, which prompted LAAV to defend himself through punches and kicks. The arriving agents observed the aftermath of the confrontation and documented the injuries and positions of the involved individuals. The incident highlights how quickly a moment of heated words can escalate into physical violence, especially in crowded urban areas during celebrations. The authorities emphasized ongoing investigations to determine accountability and ensure that all parties receive appropriate legal processing, with the safety of bystanders a primary concern for law enforcement and municipal officials. The case has been referred to the relevant judicial bodies, and investigators are compiling testimonies and physical evidence to establish a clear sequence of actions and determine charges. In this report, attribution is taken from the on scene police summary and subsequent reviews by the department, which are publicly cited for transparency and public awareness.