Violent robbery attempt at Paral·lel café
A man attempted to steal customers' breakfast at a café on Barcelona's Avinguda del Paral·lel on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, around 07:45. According to ElCaso.com, who first reported the incident, the suspect burst into the establishment and tried to take coffees, toast and croissants directly from patrons. The man used violence during the incident, confronting several customers and causing significant alarm. Staff immediately called emergency services on the 112 number, prompting a rapid response from the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police force, and precautionary dispatch of ambulances from the Sistema d'Emergències Mèdiques (SEM).
Arrest made after struggle
The man is accused of robbery with violence and intimidation, according to the Mossos d'Esquadra.
The suspect attempted to flee the scene but was subdued by police officers on the ground, as shown in images obtained by ElCaso.com. After a brief struggle, he was handcuffed and taken away in a patrol car. No injuries were reported among customers or staff, though many were left shaken by the aggression.
The incident occurred in the area bordering the Sant Antoni and Poble-sec neighbourhoods, drawing a crowd of onlookers and passers-by early Wednesday morning. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but the man now faces charges under Spanish criminal law for robbery with violence and intimidation, an offence that carries a potential prison sentence.
Primary sources: mossos.gencat.cat, sem.gencat.cat, dsp.interior.gencat.cat. Reported by elcaso.elnacional.cat, laciutat.cat, beteve.cat, elsot.cat, El Caso (El Nacional).
