Officers from the Local Police of Santa Cruz de Tenerife apprehended a 52-year-old man, referred to as CJAS, last night, as the suspected culprit behind the recent arson of various urban waste containers in the Tenerife capital, as announced today, Sunday, by the Local Police’s communications office.
This arrest was the outcome of a comprehensive operation which included undercover patrols, reviewing footage from surveillance cameras, efforts from the police drone unit, and information provided by members of the public. From the outset, agents from the National Police also collaborated extensively with local officers in this effort over the past few weeks.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. last night, officers involved in this operation observed the suspect tampering with several containers. They discreetly tracked his movements through the centre of Tenerife. Undercover officers initiated surveillance on CJAS along Pí y Margall Street, sharing his physical characteristics and attire with other officers on duty that evening. Notably, on Numancia Street, they witnessed him placing items into a container, shortly before a fire erupted within it.
The local police maintained their distance and alerted the Tenerife Firefighters Consortium about the situation, who promptly intervened to extinguish the fire and avert further damage. Remarkably, the detainee lingered in the vicinity, appearing as a bystander to the emergency services’ efforts. Shortly thereafter, he made his way to Weyler Square, where he utilised public toilets to change his attire.
Following this, he proceeded to navigate through Castillo streets, then ventured to Méndez Núñez, Robayna, Numancia, and General O’Donnell streets. During this time, he attempted to ignite additional container fires, though his efforts were unsuccessful. Again, in the Méndez Núñez area, he attempted to set fire to a tray of waste, prompting intervention from members of the Local Police operational group, who arrested him. All officers remained vigilant, ready for the opportunity to apprehend the suspect.
After identification, a necessary superficial search was conducted, and the contents of his backpack were examined. He was subsequently taken to a healthcare facility before being transferred to the police station to remain at the disposal of the appropriate judicial authority.
