A 48-year-old man has been arrested by Portugal’s Polícia Judiciária (PJ) for his involvement in an attempted murder targeting a 19-year-old man and his 37-year-old father in Beja on 26 March. The suspect, who had been on the run since the incident, has now voluntarily handed himself in to the authorities.
According to the PJ, the case is believed to have stemmed from “a confrontation between two family groups” following a dispute that may have been linked to debts between those involved.
The father and son were outside their home when they were allegedly confronted by the man now under arrest and a second suspect. Both were reportedly shot with a shotgun.
The 19-year-old was struck in the head, including in the eye, and required hospital treatment. The gunfire also damaged a vehicle and, according to the PJ, “placed other passers-by in danger” as they were walking along the street. No one else was injured.
The second man suspected of involvement in the attack was arrested on 1 April and has been held in pre-trial custody ever since.
The 48-year-old suspect, meanwhile, remained on the run following the incident. The PJ said he “knew he was wanted” and remained at an unknown location until voluntarily surrendering to the authorities. His surrender allowed the Polícia Judiciária to execute the outstanding arrest warrant against him.
The man will now appear before a judge for questioning, with the court set to determine what coercive measure, if any, should be imposed.
The investigation is being led by the PJ’s Southern Directorate, while the case is being overseen by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Beja.
Source: PJ
Photo credit: Teixeira Correia
