A man chased people through Getxo’s Algorta district with a running chainsaw, leading to injuries and a police arrest. Authorities are now working to determine exactly what happened and who was involved.
Early in the morning in Getxo’s Algorta district, a man armed with a running chainsaw chased several people through the streets. The confrontation quickly turned violent, leaving multiple people injured and prompting a fast police response. The suspect, who has a record of previous offenses, was arrested after being wounded with a knife during the struggle.
Local officials say the incident started 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, leading to a fight. According to the Getxo municipality, this created a dangerous situation and police responded quickly.
Police recovered a knife at the scene but have not yet determined who used it during the altercation.
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 were treated at the scene. The suspect, described as a repeat offender, was arrested and taken to Hospital Universitario Cruces under police guard. Sources including EFE and CNN Portugal confirm he has a history with law enforcement, though details of his past offenses have not been released.
Authorities have opened an investigation to clarify what happened and determine each person’s responsibility. Police are still gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, and further action has not been ruled out. The incident has raised concerns about public safety in the area, especially given the suspect’s criminal record. Police say the investigation is ongoing as they work to collect statements and reconstruct the timeline.
Independent reports confirm that at least two people suffered only minor injuries and were treated at the scene, with no fatalities or serious wounds officially recorded. The suspect remains under police control while receiving medical care at Hospital Universitario Cruces.
CNN Portugal and EFE
This case is similar to other recent incidents in Spain involving repeat offenders, such as a case in Madrid where a well-known scammer was released despite multiple charges, as reported in a previous investigation. The ongoing risk posed by individuals with long criminal records remains a challenge for police and the justice system.
Although the Getxo attack did not result in deaths, the sudden escalation and use of a chainsaw as a weapon highlight the unpredictable nature of street violence and the difficulties police face in stopping it. The fact that bystanders intervened before officers arrived complicates the investigation and raises questions about self-defense. The incident points to ongoing problems with managing repeat offenders and the need for better ways to protect public safety in Spanish cities.
