Mayor of Fuentenovilla injured after confronting illegal occupants attempting car theft
Montserrat Rivas intervened alongside residents to prevent the theft of a vehicle allegedly perpetrated by illegal occupants of homes in the municipality. She was injured before the Civil Guard arrived.
Mayor injured after standing up to illegal occupants in Fuentenovilla
The mayor of Fuentenovilla, Montserrat Rivas, was injured on Monday afternoon whilst personally intervening to prevent an attempted vehicle theft allegedly carried out by illegal occupants of homes in the municipality, according to ABC.
Rivas acted alongside several residents whilst the Civil Guard was en route, directly involving herself to contain the situation. Health services attended to the mayor following the incident.
The Guadalajara Popular Party expressed its support for the mayor on Tuesday through a statement, wishing Rivas a "speedy and complete recovery". The provincial PP highlighted that her actions reflect "the deep sense of responsibility and dedication" of mayors of small municipalities, whom it described as public servants "available at any time of day or night when a neighbour needs help or any problem arises".
"Yesterday, once again, the mayor of Fuentenovilla stood alongside her neighbours, directly involving herself in a security situation experienced in the municipality," the party statement said.
The party used the statement to call for tougher penalties against those who illegally occupy homes and repeatedly engage in criminal behaviour. In the PP's view, such incidents generate "insecurity and concern" among citizens, particularly in rural municipalities.
"Municipalities have the right to live in peace and administrations must provide effective tools to protect neighbours and support the work of State Security Forces and Bodies," the party stressed.
The Guadalajara PP also thanked the community collaboration and the swift intervention of both the Civil Guard and health services during the incident. The party conveyed "all its affection and support" to Montserrat Rivas and her family, with the wish to see her recovered so she can continue leading the Fuentenovilla Council.
Source: ABC