A 51-year-old man has been arrested in Barcelona’s Eixample district after setting fire to multiple waste containers, as reported by Totbarcelona. The incidents began on 3rd November, when three bins were set alight in succession on Bailèn and Aragó streets.
Firefighters extinguished the blazes, but a nearby vehicle sustained heat damage. A witness provided police with a description of the suspect, prompting undercover officers from the Mossos d'Esquadra (regional police) to launch a surveillance operation.
Two days later, on 5th November, officers apprehended the man in the act of igniting another bin at the junction of Rambla de Catalunya and València. He was detained in flagrante and is believed to be responsible for the earlier fires due to matching clothing and modus operandi.
Previous Record and Investigation
The suspect has three prior records: one for arson related to the 3rd November incidents, and two for unresolved judicial summonses. Forensic evidence links him directly to the earlier fires.
A witness saw the suspect on 3rd November and described him to police, triggering the operation that led to his arrest.
Residents are advised to report unattended fires or suspicious behaviour near waste containers immediately to the Mossos d'Esquadra or Guàrdia Urbana (municipal police).
Sources: Tot Barcelona.
