National Police officers detained two individuals suspected of robbing a pizzeria in Alicante, threatening staff with a firearm and possessing a range of prohibited weapons and counterfeit handguns, as well as 120 grams of cocaine and other items. Authorities also seized the clothing the attacker reportedly wore during the crime from one of the suspects’ homes.
The incident occurred in early June when a robbery with a firearm at a local pizzeria drew a report to the National Police via CIMACC 091, in the area of San Juan beach, Alicante.
According to the statement, as night approached and the blinds were drawn, a man dressed in black, wearing a ski mask and a motorcycle helmet, approached by lifting the blinds and entered the pizzeria armed. He threatened staff with a silver gun, demanded the cash, and directed them to place the money into his bag, taking around 2,000 euros in cash as loot.
In response, agents from the Special and Violent Crime Group of the Alicante Provincial Police Station’s Judicial Police launched an operation to identify and arrest the person or persons responsible for the act.
Collaboration of a local ex-worker
Initial investigations indicated that testimonies from employees who witnessed the events suggested involvement by someone who might have had prior access to the business. Details known only to staff raised the suspicion that an insider may have assisted the theft, given certain specifics that only employees could know.
The inquiry progressed when investigators located a former worker who had recently left the company and who was seen at the workplace that same afternoon with another individual unknown to employees. Despite these leads, authorities sought conclusive evidence. A comprehensive surveillance and follow-up operation was launched, and a detailed review of the site and the facility’s security footage was conducted.
After analyzing the footage and other investigative efforts, investigators confirmed the involvement of both persons under scrutiny, prompting a court to issue an entry and search warrant.
The operation culminated in a raid on the residence of the principal suspect and the associate, resulting in their detention at their respective homes.
Weapons and drugs
Regarding seized items linked to the crime, authorities recovered a variety of prohibited and replica weapons. These included a 4.5 mm caliber shotgun with a modified barrel and stock found near the house entrance, nine 9 mm Luger cartridges, several airsoft pistols of different materials and calibers, a range of bladed weapons, and an expandable defense tool categorized as a prohibited item. In addition, 120 grams of cocaine and other distribution materials were seized, underscoring the drug-related dimension of the case.
Another significant finding involved clothing and belongings believed to have been worn by the person accused of committing the robbery, becoming key evidence in the investigation.
The two detainees, aged 19 and 20, both of Spanish nationality, were detained and placed in the care of the Investigation Court of the same region for further proceedings.