A violent group of Spanish minors terrorised Barcelona's Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district last weekend, threatening young people for valuables and damaging parked cars. Police arrested nine teenagers between the night of Saturday 2 May and the early hours of Sunday 3 May, following a series of incidents that caused widespread fear.
The group, consisting of around 20 adolescents, aggressively demanded items from victims. They did not physically assault the victims, but their threats were severe. Six of the arrested minors face charges of attempted violent robbery or intimidation. The remaining three face charges related to property damage.
Mossos d'Esquadra and Guàrdia Urbana officers launched a joint operation to find the group. Patrols from the Citizen Security Unit (USC), plainclothes agents, and the Regional Operational Resources Area (ARRO) searched the area. They located some suspects on Cardenal Sentmenat Street. Police recovered most of the stolen items.
Car Damage and Further Arrests
Authorities found three other minors on Major de Sarrià Street. These individuals reportedly used a rental motorbike to crash into several parked vehicles, primarily cars. Police arrested them for property damage. The Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district is a largely affluent area, home to over 140,000 residents.
This wave of youth crime prompted both police forces to increase patrols in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. They aim to deter similar group activities and prevent incidents involving knives. The increased police presence seeks to restore public confidence among residents.
Separate Attack Near Parc del Fòrum
Meanwhile, a separate, but similar, incident occurred on the opposite side of the city during the same early hours. A large group of Latin American youths attacked a minor leaving the Feria de Abril event at Parc del Fòrum. This popular cultural festival attracts thousands of visitors annually.
ElCaso.com reported that the attackers injured the victim with a machete on Diagonal Avenue. They then continued their spree of robberies and assaults along Rambla Prim. Mossos d'Esquadra have not yet identified or arrested any suspects in this case. An investigation remains open. The injured minor received hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Safety
These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about youth violence in Barcelona. The Mossos d'Esquadra and Guàrdia Urbana continue their investigations into both cases. They are working to identify all individuals involved in the attack near Parc del Fòrum.
Moving forward, authorities expect the reinforced patrols in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi to help maintain public order. These efforts aim to ensure the safety of residents and visitors across the city.
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Originally published by El Caso (El Nacional). Read original article.
