The Guardia Civil has arrested a 41-year-old man accused of committing multiple violent robberies in La Orotava, Tenerife.
The violent robberies and other incidents that occurred while the suspect was on prison leave, caused significant alarm among local residents.
Overview of the crimes
The man is charged with a total of seven offenses:
- Five counts of robbery with force in residential buildings.
- Two counts of robbery with violence and intimidation at commercial establishments.
The accused primarily targeted construction sites and homes under renovation, where he broke windows or doors to steal valuable materials such as copper wiring, aluminum, and plumbing fixtures. He later sold these items to specialised resale businesses.
Violent incidents at supermarkets
Two of the robberies took place at a supermarket open to the public. The suspect entered the store with his face covered and armed with a large sickle, which he used to threaten and attempt to attack employees.
In one instance, workers defended themselves with a stick, forcing the man to flee. The employees quickly alerted the Guardia Civil, who launched a search operation to locate and detain the suspect.
Arrest and legal action
Following his arrest, the man was presented before the Investigating Court in La Orotava. Authorities ordered his immediate return to prison.
Impact on the community
The suspect’s actions created widespread fear and insecurity among residents of La Orotava. However, the Guardia Civil’s swift response helped to restore safety and reassure the community.
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