Naples – A fight over a token given to a child at a ride escalated into a shootout on the crowded Naples waterfront yesterday afternoon.
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The episode, which shook the city, caused two minor injuries and brought to mind the recent murder of Francesco Pio Maimone, killed for trivial reasons.
The arrest of the person responsible
The Carabinieri of the Nucleo Radiomobile and the Nucleo Operativo della Compagnia Napoli Centro arrested Angelo Bottino, a 33-year-old already known to the police. The man, who was at Rotonda Diaz with his four minor children, pulled out a revolver and shot at the ride manager and one of his employees, hitting them both.
The dynamics of the accident
The fight was apparently triggered by the gesture of the carousel operator, who gave a token to Bottino's son. The latter interpreted the gesture as an insult, triggering his violent reaction. After shooting, Bottino attempted to flee by car, but was stopped by the Carabinieri of the Motorcyclists Section, who chased and arrested him.
The conditions of the wounded
The victims, Vincenzo Rapuano, 39, and Vincenzo Papa, 45, were treated in hospital. Rapuano suffered a wound to the abdomen with a prognosis of 10 days, while Papa was grazed on the forearm.
Investigations ongoing
The police are continuing their investigations to further clarify the dynamics of the incident and to ascertain any responsibilities. The episode has caused great concern in the city, rekindling the debate on security and urban violence.
Article published on March 31, 2025 - 18pm
It's incredible how something like this can happen, just for a token. The authorities should do more to ensure people's safety, especially in crowded places like the Naples waterfront.
I don't understand why there is so much violence for stupid things, I hope this episode leads to more controls and that people learn to manage their emotions without resorting to violence.
The situation is very worrying and makes us reflect on how violence can explode even in moments of apparent calm. It is important that there are more severe measures against those who commit violent acts.
It is truly incredible that a simple gesture like giving a token to a child can lead to a shooting. These events make us reflect on how dangerous our society has become and what we can do to improve the situation.