Shooting suspects jailed

THE INVESTIGATION into a shooting that occurred following an accident between two cars in Catral on January 4 has culminated in two suspects being arrested, reported the Guardia Civil this week.

According to a spokesman for the force, witnesses said the occupants of the vehicle that caused the crash shot at the people in the car they had hit, then fled leaving the victims seriously injured. The Guardia Civil immediately attended the scene, at the roundabout on the CV-904 by the A-7 motorway exit for Catral.

Officers established that one of the assailants had got out of the car and shot one of the victims in the leg and hit the other in the head with an iron bar, then got back into his car, which his companion drove away. The evidence and witnesses’ statements led to the suspects, two men aged 22 and 30 who had numerous police records in connection with various incidents, including other violent crimes.

They were both arrested in Crevillente on January 10, on suspicion of attempted homicide, causing injuries and illegal possession of weapons.

Searches of their homes, one in Catral and the other in Crevillente, found a 9mm pistol that matched the specifications of the one used in the shooting, and which had been acquired illegally. The firearm was sent to the Guardia Civil criminology service for analysis.

On January 11, both suspects were put before a court in Elche, which denied them bail and remanded them in custody.

The victims, two men aged 37 and 39, are currently recovering from their injuries.

Officers established that the vehicle travelling behind, which was carrying the assailants, ran into the back of the victims’ car.