Early one morning in Getxo’s Algorta district, a man with a running chainsaw chased several people through the streets. The confrontation turned violent, leaving multiple people injured and drawing a police response. The suspect, who has a record of previous offenses, was arrested after a knife wounded him during the struggle.
Local officials say the incident began around 5 a.m. after an argument between the man and several others. The situation escalated when he started the chainsaw and ran after the group, putting bystanders at risk. Before police arrived, the chainsaw stopped working. Some of those being chased then confronted the attacker, and a fight broke out. The Getxo municipality said the situation was dangerous and police responded quickly.
During the fight, the man was wounded with a knife. Officers later found the weapon nearby but could not confirm who had used it. At least two other people had minor injuries and received treatment at the scene. CNN Portugal and EFE reported that no fatalities or serious wounds had been officially recorded. The suspect, described as a repeat offender, was arrested and taken to Hospital Universitario Cruces under police guard. He remains under police control while receiving medical care there. CNN Portugal and EFE also reported that he has a history with law enforcement, though authorities have not released details of his past offenses.
Authorities have opened an investigation to establish what happened and determine each person’s responsibility. Police are collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to establish the timeline. Further action has not been ruled out. The incident has raised concerns about public safety in the area, particularly given the suspect’s criminal record.
This case resembles other recent incidents in Spain involving repeat offenders, including one in Madrid in which a well-known scammer was released despite multiple charges, as reported in a previous investigation. The risk posed by people with long criminal records remains a challenge for police and the justice system.
The sudden escalation and use of a chainsaw as a weapon show how unpredictable street violence can be and how difficult it is for police to stop. Bystanders intervened before officers arrived, complicating the investigation and raising questions about self-defense. The incident also points to the challenges of managing repeat offenders and protecting public safety in Spanish cities.
