Nightmare at the ATM: 90-year-old robbed while withdrawing money in Arenal

Suddenly ambushed while withdrawing money

It was around 6 p.m. when an elderly man was at the ATM on Avenida Miramar in Arenal. Exactly the time when the first streetlamps turn warm yellow and the scent of fried food wafts from the chiringuitos. He withdrew about 200 euros and apparently realized too late that someone was approaching from behind.

Witnesses intervene, attacker flees

Eyewitnesses later report short, tense scenes: The man was confronted, then the attacker snatched the money from him. Residents and a few lingerers from the nearby café ran off, called the police and pursued the suspect to a parking lot. Within a few minutes, the Llucmajor Local Police arrived.

The officers found the suspect in a deserted car in a parking lot in Arenal. When approached, the man pulled a knife — police say about 25 centimeters — and behaved aggressively. The situation escalated to the point where the officers drew their service weapons. The suspect dropped the knife and was subdued.

In the car: more than just the stolen money

During a search of the vehicle, the authorities not only found the stolen cash but also items apparently from previous thefts. On the way to the station, the detainee reportedly damaged the patrol vehicle; police say there were property damages.

The 33-year-old suspect, a Romanian national, was charged with theft, resisting and assaulting police officers as well as serious disobedience. Police sources indicate the man has prior convictions for similar offenses and has been active in Arenal in recent weeks. He is currently in custody awaiting a hearing before a magistrate.

Warning to residents and visitors

The local police urge caution: Especially towards the end of the season, when fewer tourists are out and streets become emptier in the evenings, such incidents are on the rise, according to the officers. A tip from personal experience: if possible, do not withdraw money alone at the ATM, keep bags securely closed, and stay aware of your surroundings. A call to 092 or immediately shouting for witnesses can be decisive.

If anyone saw anything or has information about further acts, please contact the Llucmajor police station. For the victim's family, neighbors and passersby hope that the case is processed quickly in court and that something like this does not happen again.