The Guardia Civil of Gran Canaria has taken swift action to investigate a disturbing incident that occurred on September 20, 2022. A 49-year-old man has been identified as the prime suspect in a sexual assault case, wherein he attempted to forcibly kiss a woman against her will, deploying physical aggression.
Additionally, four other men aged between 21 and 42 are under investigation for a less severe offense of assault. They allegedly attacked the individual who bravely intervened to protect the woman from the assailant’s advances. Moreover, these incidents transpired in the southern region of Gran Canaria.
Incident report and initial response
In the early hours of September 20, the Guardia Civil received an emergency call about an unconscious foreign national found at the bottom of a public staircase leading to an apartment complex in Puerto Rico. The individual was promptly assisted by the Guardia Civil of Puerto Rico. They then called for an ambulance to transport the man to the Emergency Department of the Insular Hospital in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where he was admitted due to the severity of his injuries.
Coincidentally, that same night, an Irish tourist reported an attempted assault. She and her family were returning to their hotel from a night out when they encountered two fellow Irish tourists. After a brief exchange, one of the men attempted to forcibly kiss her, leading to a confrontation. The groups separated, but later, the assailant and his companion returned to the scene, prompting another assault attempt.
Police investigations and findings
The Guardia Civil initiated a thorough investigation, including the analysis of security camera footage. The footage confirmed the initial encounter between the two groups of tourists and the subsequent altercation. Moments after the woman and her family entered their apartments, the two Irish men reappeared. Unaware that the men were staying in the same complex, the woman’s relatives confronted them outside. A violent altercation ensued. During this one of the Irish men was pushed, lost balance, and was viciously attacked, rendering him unconscious. Furthermore, he sustained severe injuries, requiring stitches and hospitalisation.
Following extensive police inquiries, the four individuals involved in the incidents have been identified and are now subject to legal proceedings. They are currently under the jurisdiction of the San Bartolomé de Tirajana court.
