Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s most wanted list has delivered another high-profile arrest, after National Police officers detained a fugitive in A Coruña who had been on the run despite a serious conviction and a lengthy prison sentence hanging over him.
Police said the man, Daniel Vázquez Patiño, was wanted for a series of sexual offences against minors committed between 2012 and 2016. He had already been convicted, but never entered prison because he could not be found. Officers say he now faces a 23-year sentence.
A rooftop pursuit in A Coruña
According to the Policia Nacional press office, the arrest took place yesterday in A Coruña after investigators narrowed his location from Pontevedra to the city and intensified surveillance.
When officers moved in, police say the fugitive tried to flee across rooftops and threatened to jump. During the pursuit, he allegedly became “extremely violent” and attempted to injure officers with a sharp object before being restrained and arrested.
Why this case matters beyond Galicia
The detention brings to five the number of people located since the launch of the “10 most wanted” campaign, which the National Police rolled out in November to track fugitives sought by Spanish courts, and in some cases by international warrants.
Police say the scheme has produced results quickly, with several arrests made in just three months, including at least one abroad. The force credits sustained investigative work as well as public awareness for keeping pressure on high-priority targets.
What is Spain’s ‘10 most wanted’ campaign?
The campaign is designed to help locate fugitives considered high-risk or particularly serious offenders, using public-facing appeals and a dedicated confidential contact route.
Anyone who believes they have information is asked to contact the Policia Nacional, confidentially, via email: lomasbuscados@policia.es
A note on safeguarding and reporting
Cases involving child sexual abuse are deeply sensitive, and police do not identify victims. If you suspect a child is at risk or have concerns about abuse, the safest step is to report it through official channels as soon as possible.
In Spain, you can contact the emergency services on 112, the Policía Nacional on 091, or seek confidential support via the 116 111 child helpline (ANAR).
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