A former Spanish National Police officer shot dead his ex-partner, another police agent stationed at the Llanes barracks in Asturias, before being killed himself in a shootout with colleagues who tried to stop the attack. The incident occurred around midday on Wednesday at the barracks in Llanes, a town in northern Spain. The victim, identified as a 50-year-old woman, was also a serving member of the police force. She had been included in the VioGén system, which tracks individuals who have reported domestic abuse. The attacker, a 49-year-old man, had previously served at the Zamora command and had recently received notice of his separation from active duty, meaning he no longer had access to his official weapon. According to sources close to the investigation, he entered the barracks through a side entrance known to him from previous service and opened fire on his ex-partner before attempting to flee. A lieutenant intervened, sustaining serious injuries to his leg during the exchange of gunfire. Another colleague also fired at the suspect, who later died from wounds sustained during the confrontation. The attack took place shortly before 1:30 p.m., according to reports. The assailant had been previously disciplined for gender-based violence and had a pending administrative proceeding that could have led to his dismissal. He had also been sentenced to prison for a confirmed case of gender violence at least two years prior. His legal troubles reportedly culminated in his recent separation from the force. The victim, who had three children, aged 18, 14, and 14, with the perpetrator, was in the process of finalizing her divorce. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of gender-based violence within law enforcement institutions. Sources indicate that the attacker used a firearm obtained either by stealing from lockers or taking it from a fellow officer. After firing on his ex-partner, he attempted to escape but was pursued by colleagues. During the pursuit, the lieutenant suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, while the attacker was struck by return fire. He was taken to a mobile intensive care unit but succumbed to his injuries hours after the incident. Both the victim and the attacker were transported to the hospital, though the latter did not survive. The lieutenant’s condition remains critical. Authorities have launched an investigation into the shooting, with officials from the government's delegation against gender-based violence confirming they are treating the case as potential gender violence. If confirmed, this would bring the total number of female victims of gender-based violence in Spain this year to 34, bringing the cumulative figure since 2003 to 1,375. The case has sparked discussions about the prevalence of such incidents within the police force and the effectiveness of existing measures to prevent them. The Association of Unified Civil Guards expressed its condolences over the tragedy, offering support to the family and friends of the deceased. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of personnel within military installations and the need for stricter protocols regarding access to weapons and handling of internal conflicts. The police judicial team has arrived at the scene to conduct further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack. The barracks in Llanes, where the attack occurred, is one of several locations where similar incidents have taken place in recent days, highlighting a troubling trend of gender-based violence within the ranks of the security forces. The victim’s inclusion in the VioGén system underscores the severity of the situation, indicating that she had already sought protection due to past instances of abuse. The case is likely to prompt renewed calls for improved policies and greater awareness of domestic violence issues among law enforcement personnel.
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