A Guardia Civil officer died early on the morning of October 15 after being shot during a routine traffic stop in Granada. Following the incident at 4.20am, an intensive search led to the detention of a suspect about five hours later.
The 47-year-old officer was shot in Huétor Vega, about five kilometres south-east of the capital, as he and a colleague attempted to stop a white Ford Escort travelling at speed and believed to have been involved in a robbery. The driver stopped the car and fled on foot, pursued by the officer.
The suspect is reported to have been in possession of a gun but had no ammunition. However, as the officer caught up with him and two men scuffled, he apparently grabbed the officer’s weapon and shot him at point blank range. A further two shots were fired at the victim’s colleague as the suspect fled.
Jose Manuel Arcos died in hospital shortly afterwards despite the frantic efforts of surgeons. He had lived in Granada for nine years and leaves children aged 25 and 21.
The 40-year-old man detained in connection with the shooting is reported to have a history of robbery, threats and domestic violence. He was described by police as an “habitual delinquent.”
