Attempts to steal a car and assaults an Army soldier and a Carabiniere. He is already free.

More violence against law enforcement: an Italian Army soldier and a Carabiniere were injured during an intervention in the Bolognina district, where a citizen of Moroccan origin was caught attempting to steal from two parked cars.

The incident occurred on via di Vincenzo, where a passerby noticed a suspicious individual breaking the windows of two vehicles – a Peugeot and a Citroën – and immediately alerted the authorities. The man, described as having olive skin, black jeans, and short hair, was caught in the act by a patrol of the Carabinieri in collaboration with soldiers from the Italian Army, engaged in the “Strade Sicure” operation.

Upon seeing the soldiers, the individual reacted with extreme violence, kicking and punching the officers in an attempt to escape. Once restrained and searched, he was found in possession of a modified magnet with sharp edges, used to break car windows.

During transport to the barracks, the man – a 37-year-old, homeless and already known to the authorities – continued to act out inside the mobile station of the Carabinieri, hurling insults and delivering further blows to the soldiers.

As a result of the assault, a Carabiniere and an Army soldier sustained injuries to their upper and lower limbs, with a prognosis of seven days each.

Assailant already free: debate on precautionary measures returns

The individual was arrested on charges of resisting a public official, attempted aggravated theft, and personal injury. Despite the arrest being validated in a direct hearing, the 37-year-old is already back in freedom, with only a ban on residing in the metropolitan city of Bologna, pending trial, postponed for defense term requests.

A decision that rekindles the debate on urban security, the effectiveness of precautionary measures, and the role of joint patrols between the Army and Carabinieri, engaged daily to ensure public order. The episode once again raises the issue of protection for uniformed operators, too often left alone in the face of violent and repeat offenders.

Solidarity from USMIA

Following the incident, USMIA (Unione Sindacale Militare Interforze Associati) expressed in a note on its website its full solidarity with the Carabiniere and the Army soldier involved in the operation.

“We are deeply close to our injured colleagues and their families in this difficult time”, declared the National Secretariat of USMIA, highlighting the readiness and courage demonstrated by the two soldiers, both members of the union.

USMIA also praised the effectiveness of the joint intervention, recognizing the success of the action as a result of the synergy between Law Enforcement and Army units. The note continues by emphasizing the importance of continuous training, with particular reference to training in MCM techniques (Military Combat Method), essential for operating in high-risk situations like the one that occurred in Bologna.

“This is a tangible sign of the widespread presence of our organization among those who, every day, perform their duty on the front line.”

Finally, USMIA reiterated its commitment to supporting injured colleagues and their families, renewing thanks to all the soldiers who strive daily for the Nation's security.

ASPMI: “Strade Sicure needs to be reconsidered, now”

After USMIA, ASPMI (Associazione Sindacale Professionisti Militari) also expressed closeness to the two soldiers injured in Bologna, emphasizing the urgent need to review the entire framework of the Strade Sicure Operation. It reads in the note released by the Association:

“As ASPMI, we wish to express our solidarity with the Italian Army soldier and the Carabiniere injured during an intervention in the Bolognina district of Bologna. To the colleagues and their families, we extend our wishes for a speedy recovery and heartfelt thanks for the courage shown. They operated with professionalism in a high-risk context, confirming the value of those who serve the State every day.”

ASPMI highlights the structural issues of the Strade Sicure Operation, born as an emergency measure and now transformed into a systematic and unsustainable deployment. The Association also denounces the use of soldiers in tasks typical of the Police Forces, without adequate training, legal protections, and economic recognition.

ASPMI has also published a video on its YouTube channel to raise public awareness about the effectiveness and sustainability of the “Strade Sicure” Operation, focusing particularly on the legal status of soldiers employed on national territory.