Arrest Made in Llefià Nurse Attack
The Mossos d'Esquadra have arrested a teenage suspect in Badalona over a violent stabbing of a nurse in the Llefià neighbourhood on Sunday, 20 September. The attack occurred at around 7:00 AM near the intersection of Ramiro de Maeztu and Lope de Vega streets, directly outside a tobacconist’s shop. The victim, a healthcare worker at Esperit Sant hospital in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, was on her way to start her shift when she was approached by the minor, who attempted to rob her. According to witness accounts reported by Metrópoli, the suspect first grabbed her by the neck, causing an initial cut, then used a box cutter to stab her approximately ten times. Injuries were sustained to her face near the eye, arms, hands, and abdomen, but no vital organs were affected. She was transported to hospital in a private vehicle by local residents who intervened during the attack.
Neighbours' Quick Response Saves Life
Several young people from Llefià and La Salut, including Albert, Moha, and Leandro, responded to the victim’s cries for help. While some attempted to chase the suspect, described as wearing a white T-shirt with red stripes and fleeing on a scooter, others stopped a passing car to rush the injured nurse to the hospital. Their swift action has been credited with saving her life. The suspect evaded capture initially but was apprehended in Badalona days later, bringing an end to the manhunt.
Healthcare Workers Protest Violence
On Tuesday, 22 September, nurses and staff from Esperit Sant hospital held a peaceful demonstration outside the facility under the slogan 'Stop aggressions'. Carrying banners that read 'Safety is not a whim, it's a right' and 'We come to work, not to fight', they demanded greater protection against rising violence. Xavier García Albiol, mayor of Badalona, attended the protest and condemned the attack as 'an absolute disgrace'. He called for legislative changes to reduce impunity, arguing that criminals should not be 'more protected than honest people'. Salva Tovar, Santa Coloma’s Councilor for Security, also attended. The case has sparked widespread outrage across the region, highlighting concerns over street safety for healthcare workers and the broader issue of youth involvement in violent crime.
Primary sources: badalona.cat, govern.cat, mossos.gencat.cat. Reported by metropoliabierta.cat, metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, eltotbadalona.cat, laciutat.cat, LGI, elcaso.elnacional.cat, rac1.cat.
