Marbella Court Revokes Arrest Warrant for Shooting Suspects
A Marbella court has rescinded the arrest warrant that was issued last week for Darren H. and Gerrard S., the alleged culprits of a shooting incident at a local restaurant in March. The High Court of Justice of Andalucía (TSJA) sources reveal that the suspects voluntarily surrendered to the judicial authorities. They appeared in court a day after the arrest warrant was issued against them. However, the court has strengthened the bail conditions, requiring the duo to report to the court headquarters twice a week and adhere to a restraining order concerning the shooting location.
Release and Subsequent Arrest Warrant
The suspects were released in late April by the Malaga provincial court, which overturned the custody sentence previously ordered by the court after taking their statements post-arrest. They were expected to appear before the Marbella court the next day to surrender their passports, which they failed to do, claiming that their documents were with the police. This claim was later confirmed to be true. Their failure to appear led to the issuance of an arrest warrant, which was later cancelled after they turned themselves in.
The Shooting Incident
Both men are being investigated as the alleged shooters at La Sala restaurant, situated in Avenida Nueva Andalucía. The incident occurred around noon on March 11. According to SUR sources, there was an altercation at the venue the night before the incident between one of the managers and one of the detainees, during which threats were allegedly made. However, police investigators believe the argument was related to yet unknown reasons and the shots were a warning.
Security Footage Leads to Identification
Security cameras were instrumental in identifying the alleged culprits. A thorough review of the footage allowed for a reconstruction of the events that morning, when approximately fifteen shots were fired at the restaurant. The footage showed an individual leaving a house in Nueva Andalucía on a Honda 750 motorcycle, his face concealed by a full-face helmet. The motorcycle initially had a British number plate. The individual then entered a garage at another house nearby. The cameras later showed two men leaving the house, with the previous individual now riding pillion and the number plate changed to a Spanish one.
Details of the Shooting and Arrest
The restaurant was about to open to the public, suggesting that the perpetrators knew staff would be present. The driver waited with the high-powered motorcycle running while the other got off and fired about fifteen shots, most of which hit the window. The bullets also struck some chairs in the restaurant before they fled. The suspects, both in their 30s and of British and Irish origin, were arrested on March 25 in a large-scale operation led by the National Police. They are charged with attempted murder, serious threats, illegal possession of weapons, and document forgery, among other crimes. A large machete and 31,190 euros were also seized during the operation.
