Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalan police, faced a violent escape attempt late on Friday night in Badalona, near Barcelona, when suspects linked to truck cargo thefts rammed an unmarked police vehicle.

Authorities confirm one individual now remains in custody while three others continue at large.

Violent clash at petrol station

Events took place shortly after 11.30pm at the Esclat petrol station on Avenida de Conflent. Officers spotted a stolen BMW M235 that they suspected formed part of operations targeting lorry loads in the area.

🇪🇸 | Tres agentes de paisano a bordo de un vehículo camuflado intentaron detener a cinco miembros de una banda de origen magrebí acusados de haber atracado a mano armada una gasolinera en Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/vBlspKrRM7

— ʜᴇʀQʟᴇs (@herqles_es) May 23, 2026

Four occupants were sat inside the vehicle upon police approach. Three individuals immediately fled on foot. The driver responded by accelerating hard and deliberately ramming the police car to break free.

Catalan police returned fire with regulation weapons during the chaotic moment to stop the threat. Despite the exchange, the driver managed to speed away from the scene in the stolen car.

Operation leads to arrest

Coordinated efforts between the Mossos d’Esquadra and Badalona local police resulted in the recovery of the abandoned BMW hours later. Officers detained one suspect during this follow-up action, although details about whether this person drove the vehicle remain unclear at present.

No gunshot injuries have been reported so far according to official sources. Police stress that checks continue to establish full facts around the confrontation.

Heightened alerts for night patrols

Mossos d’Esquadra issued an internal warning to officers following this incident urging extra vigilance during night shifts due to increased activity from these organised groups known locally as “teloneros”.

Investigations stay active across multiple units as detectives work to identify and apprehend the remaining three fugitives who escaped initial contact on foot.

This episode adds to concerns over vehicle thefts and cargo crimes affecting the Barcelona metropolitan region. Police resources focus on disrupting such networks that operate in industrial

Thieves car rams Catalan police amid gunfire. Credit: Hercules X