Guardia Civil officer runs down in Mijas after motorcyclist flees from traffic stop

The fear of a traffic fine is common among drivers. It is nearly impossible to imagine a driver running over a Guardia Civil official in order to avoid a fine. Investigators claim that this is what happened at the Costa del Sol, after a motorcyclist chose to flee instead of facing the consequences of an overtaking maneuver.

The encounter did not end with a ticket. Instead, it left a Guardia Civil officer on the road injured. It sparked a manhunt by police and turned a traffic violation into a criminal case that could have far more serious implications than the original offense.

The time between arrest and escape is only seconds

The incident happened at around 09.15am on Wednesday on the A-7053 between Mijas and Alhaurín el Grande, where a Guardia Civil traffic patrol spotted the rider of a Yamaha motorcycle allegedly overtaking across a solid white line. The motorcyclist was ordered to stop by the officers, but he refused.

The investigators claim that the rider was accelerating away and causing a pursuit in Mijas, as the officers tried to stop the motorcycle. The chase eventually came to an end on Río Guadalevín Street, at the entrance to Mijas, when the rider lost control of the motorcycle and crashed into a roundabout. It appeared for a moment that the chase was over.

Everything changed after that.

The investigators report that the fell rider, as Guardia Civil agents approached him to arrest, made a final and desperate decision. According to Guardia Civil officials, the suspect picked the motorcycle up, started the engine, and then accelerated straight towards an officer before fleeing.

The motorcycle drove through and hit the officer in the shoulder, hand and elbow. He was discharged from the local medical center after being treated for minor injuries. The outcome could have been very different.

Traffic infractions can lead to criminal charges

Investigators say that the incident is not about a motorcycle overtaking. Instead, it’s about a rider who allegedly used the bike to avoid arrest, and in the process struck a police officer.

The Guardia Civil has stated that the suspect may be charged with assaulting an officer of the law, reckless driving, and fleeing. Instead of a fine for a traffic violation, a criminal investigation has been opened.

Reminding officers of the dangers they face

Every day, traffic officers stop vehicles. Speeding, drunken driving, dangerous driving and lack of documentation. In most cases, the encounters end in paperwork. Sometimes, however, the driver refuses to cooperate.

In Spain, incidents where motorists deliberately drive towards police officers are still rare. However, these incidents serve to remind us that even a routine roadside check can turn dangerous in a matter of seconds. Each approaching vehicle is a source of uncertainty. Officers never know what a driver’s reaction will be when blue lights appear on the rearview mirror.

The search continues

The motorcyclist is still on the run. The investigators continue their efforts to find the suspect They are seeking information to help them locate him. The incident in Mijas has again brought to the attention of residents the dangers that emergency services face when performing their daily duties along the Costa del Sol. The incident has also raised an uncomfortable question. What drives someone to risk their life to avoid being stopped by the police?

The Guardia Civil Officer who was injured by this decision suffered injuries that could have been much more serious. The consequences of the fleeing rider may end up being far greater than the fine that he was trying escape. One alleged overtake, a decision to flee and an injured officer.  A manhunt has now turned a traffic check into one of Costa del Sol’s most shocking crimes stories this week.