A 53-year-old man, formally unemployed according to the employment center and INPS registers, was arrested for resisting and assaulting a public official after attacking an off-duty carabiniere in via Cornelia dei Gracchi. The man, known in the neighborhood for his illegal parking activity, had chosen the parking lot in front of a pharmacy as his “work area,” where he harassed customers daily to extort money.
Customers, forced to pay a sum that varied from a free offer to a fixed rate, often suffered insults and threats if they refused to pay the money requested. This is what happened to a carabiniere off duty who, having arrived at the pharmacy on his motorbike, was immediately approached by the parking attendant. As soon as he got off the vehicle, the soldier was insistently urged to pay.
The officer initially refused to identify himself and denied the request, triggering a furious reaction from the 53-year-old, who began insulting him. Only after a few moments did the carabineer he decided to qualify, showing his badge and calling for reinforcements from the local station.
However, the situation further degenerated. The parking attendant, instead of calming down, intensified the insults and reacted violently, resisting arrest with kicks and punches. During the altercation he repeatedly shouted phrases such as “I have to live!” and “Let me work!”, trying to justify his illegal conduct.
The man was eventually immobilized and arrested on charges of resisting and assaulting a public official. He is currently in custody awaiting trial. The incident has rekindled attention on the problem of illegal parking in the city, a phenomenon that continues to create tension and security problems for citizens.
Article published on 4 September 2024 - 10:49
