Andorran police arrest man wanted over knife threats to ex-partner in La Seu d’Urgell

Andorran police arrested a 43-year-old man in the Principality on Thursday afternoon. He was wanted by the Spanish authorities over alleged threats and coercion against his former partner in a case of gender-based violence, as well as breaching a restraining order.

The alleged offences took place in early October, when the man went to his former partner’s home in La Seu d’Urgell, despite being subject to a restraining order imposed several months earlier. According to information provided by police, he allegedly threatened her with a knife.

The international search and arrest warrant was issued by the Court of First Instance in La Seu d’Urgell and circulated this week through an INTERPOL Red Notice, activated on Wednesday. After suspecting the man might be in Andorra, police carried out checks and located him.

Arrest carried out through international cooperation

After receiving the INTERPOL alert, police informed the Ministry of Justice and Interior in accordance with the procedure set out in the Qualified Extradition Act. The ministry passed the information to the Public Prosecutor’s Office so it could order the arrest.

INTERPOL Red Notices share information among member countries about people wanted internationally and help authorities locate and arrest them.

Cooperation between national bureaux allows law enforcement agencies in different countries to coordinate their actions.

Two more arrests for drink-driving

Police also reported the arrest of two drivers on suspicion of road traffic offences. A 51-year-old man was arrested on Monday after recording 1.86 grams of alcohol per litre of blood.

That same day, a 25-year-old driver was arrested after being discharged from hospital. He had been involved in a crash the previous night on Avinguda del Pont de la Tosca in Escaldes-Engordany and recorded a blood alcohol level of 1.97. He is also accused of an offence against physical and moral integrity, as his passenger was injured.

Finally, police arrested a 60-year-old man in Sant Julià de Lòria on Thursday afternoon on suspicion of an offence against public administration for driving while his licence was suspended.