Off-Duty Police Officer Arrested After Fatal Confrontation with Alleged Thief in Madrid
In a tragic incident that has raised concerns about police conduct and public safety, an officer from the Local Police of Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, has been arrested following the accidental death of a man during a confrontation over a stolen mobile phone. The incident transpired around 11:30 PM on Tuesday night when the alleged thief snatched the officer's phone while he was with a colleague at the intersection of Pesquera and Calderas streets.
Though the suspect attempted to flee on foot, he was quickly intercepted by the off-duty officer. In an effort to detain him until the National Police arrived on the scene, the officer restrained the man by applying a hold around his neck. Unfortunately, this maneuver led to the man suffering from asphyxiation, resulting in cardiac arrest. Emergency teams from Summa112 were called to the scene, but despite more than 30 minutes of resuscitation efforts, they were unable to revive the 36-year-old man.
Following the incident, the officer was taken into custody and transported to the National Police headquarters, where he awaits further judicial proceedings. According to reports from Cadena SER, two off-duty local police officers were involved in the intervention, but only one has been arrested for allegedly applying a strangulation technique known as 'mataleón.'
The deceased individual has been identified as being of Maghreb origin, which adds a layer of complexity to the case as it unfolds in the public eye. This incident poses significant questions about the protocols surrounding police interventions and the use of force, particularly in situations involving theft. As details emerge, both local authorities and community members are left to grapple with the implications of this incident on public trust in law enforcement.
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