Lorraine Williamson
A holiday drive through central Spain turned into a terrifying ordeal for a group of French tourists on 9 August, when two armed men posing as police opened fire on their car along the A-4 motorway near Dosbarrios, Toledo.
It was just after 1.00 pm when the tourists were pulled over by a vehicle whose occupants claimed to be Spanish police. Flashing what appeared to be official identification, the men demanded passports and a large sum of cash. When the group refused — and suspicion set in — they sped off.
Moments later, gunshots rang out. One bullet smashed through the windscreen, embedding itself in the passenger seat. Miraculously, none of the occupants were hit.
Dramatic escape and police response
The tourists managed to reach a roadside restaurant, abandoning their car in the car park and scrambling over a fence to hide. From inside, they called the Guardia Civil, who arrived within minutes.
The attackers’ vehicle was later found abandoned in a neighbouring municipality, its number plates swapped out to disguise it. The suspects remain at large.
Organised gang suspected
Investigators believe the pair may belong to an organised network that targets travellers by imitating police roadside checks — a tactic Spanish authorities have previously warned about. Whether this group has struck before remains under investigation.
Tourist scam at supermarket carparks
Authorities issue warning
While shaken, the French tourists suffered no physical injuries. The Guardia Civil has urged all motorists to be cautious when stopped, to request official identification, and to report any suspicious encounters immediately.
The incident has rattled local residents and the tourism community alike — a reminder that even well-travelled routes can hide unexpected dangers.
Source: ABC