Two arrested for assaulting local police during operation against unlicensed street vendors at Playa de Palma
Palma Local Police arrested two people following a confrontation with unlicensed street vendors in which several officers were injured.
Two arrested for assaulting local police during operation against unlicensed street vendors at Playa de Palma
Two individuals have been arrested at Playa de Palma after assaulting officers from the Local Police during an operation against illegal street trading, according to Majorca Daily Bulletin.
The incident occurred last Monday as part of the summer reinforcement programme for Tourist Security (Setur). Officers were carrying out control duties when they observed a street vendor who abandoned the area upon noticing the police presence.
When the patrol vehicle approached, the man abruptly changed direction and collided with the police car, despite the officer's indications. The individual offered strong resistance and adopted an aggressive attitude, which forced several officers to intervene to restrain and arrest him. As a result, one officer suffered injuries to his right elbow and shoulder.
As the vehicle prepared to withdraw, a group of between eight and ten street vendors surrounded the remaining police officers. The traders shouted insults, obstructed the car's exit and three of them picked up stones and cobblestones from the ground to throw at the officers, with the projectiles passing a short distance from their heads.
In the midst of these altercations, the uniformed officers arrested a second man, also involved in the assaults. This individual offered strong resistance, struck and punched an officer, and made repeated threats against the police force. A third officer suffered post-traumatic intercostal neuritis in the left side of the chest, despite wearing a protective vest.
Both detainees were transferred to judicial facilities along with the police report and corresponding medical reports. The operation resulted in the dismantling of six unlicensed sales pitches and the seizure of a large quantity of goods intended for illicit trade.
Palma Town Council has condemned the attacks on its officers and has expressed its support for the "professionalism and responsibility" demonstrated during the intervention.
Source: Majorca Daily Bulletin