Italian Gang's Highway Heist: Armoured Van Blown Up in Dramatic Shootout
In a brazen and violent assault, a gang of armed criminals attacked an armoured security van on a busy Italian highway, leading to a dramatic shootout with police. The shocking incident unfolded on State Road 613, which connects the cities of Lecce and Brindisi in the Puglia region, often referred to as the 'heel of Italy'.
Dramatic Footage Captures Chaotic Scene
Horrified motorists captured footage showing at least six masked individuals, some wearing white overalls and carrying automatic weapons, engaging in a firefight with officers from the Carabinieri police force. The video reveals an explosion as the criminals attempted to blow open the armoured van to loot its contents.
The attackers reportedly began their assault by setting a vehicle ablaze in the middle of the motorway, creating a roadblock that forced the BTV security company van to stop. To add to the deception, the gang used a blue Alfa Romeo equipped with flashing blue lights, posing as an escort vehicle to confuse the security guards.
Police Response and Arrests
Carabinieri officers from the Lecce provincial command swiftly responded to the scene. During the exchange of gunfire, a bullet fired by the bandits struck the windshield of a police car, highlighting the extreme danger faced by law enforcement.
Despite the violent confrontation, the would-be robbers failed to loot the van before police arrived. Officers made two arrests near the scene after responding to reports of a high-speed Alfa Romeo. They found the car abandoned in the countryside and apprehended one man attempting to escape on foot, along with another gang member who had also fled.
Organised Criminal Background
Italian news outlet Sky TG24 reported that the bandits hail from the Foggia area, a region notorious for gangs specializing in armed robberies of armoured vehicles. The attackers' method of using vehicles with flashing lights disguised as civilian police vehicles demonstrates a high level of organisation and planning.
According to reports from L'Unione Sarda, other members of the gang managed to flee the scene by allegedly car-jacking passing motorists and using the stolen vehicles to escape. Police are currently hunting at least two more gang members who evaded capture.
No Injuries Reported Despite Violence
Remarkably, no injuries were reported following the violent gunfight on the busy highway. Nicola Magno, the Puglia regional secretary general of Un Arma, praised the Carabinieri's response, stating: "Once again, the Carabinieri found themselves on the front lines of an extremely violent and organised criminal act. The fact that a patrol was hit by gunfire demonstrates the high level of risk to which our officers are exposed on a daily basis. It is only thanks to the professionalism, composure, and sense of duty of our colleagues that today we are not talking about a tragedy."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the sophisticated tactics employed by criminal organisations in Italy and the constant dangers faced by law enforcement officers in combating such violent crimes.
