A 50-year-old man from Balaguer, Lleida, was arrested on 25 April after allegedly robbing a pharmacy in the Noguera capital at knife-point on 16 April.
According to ElCaso.com, the man entered the pharmacy at closing time, wearing a motorcycle helmet. He threatened the female staff with a knife, forcing them to leave the premises. The assailant then ripped out the cash register drawer and fled with the day's takings.
Mossos d'Esquadra officers located and arrested the suspect more than a week later while he was having a drink in a local bar. The Catalan police had launched an investigation after receiving a complaint from the pharmacy owner.
Identifying the Suspect
Despite the robber's use of a motorcycle helmet to conceal his identity, an analysis of security camera footage and witness statements helped police identify the suspect. According to La Manyana newspaper, the man is a repeat offender, well-known to the Mossos d'Esquadra for numerous previous arrests related to property crimes.
He has a history of frequently appearing in court and occasionally serving prison sentences for various offences. With this information, officers initiated a search operation within Balaguer, knowing the suspect was a local resident. They eventually found him on Saturday morning, 25 April, having breakfast in a bar.
Charges and Judicial Process
Investigators arrested the man on suspicion of robbery with violence and intimidation. He was taken to the police station and is awaiting a court appearance. This arrest adds to his extensive criminal record, which includes approximately 40 previous detentions.
It is now up to the judicial authorities to decide whether to release him or remand him in custody, as has happened on previous occasions. His history suggests that even time in prison has not deterred him from further criminal activity.
