A bizarre attempted robbery in Spain has gone viral after a machete-wielding man entered a bar, demanded money in English and was met with laughter instead of fear.
The incident occurred at La Barraca de la Abuela in the Las Lagunas area of Mijas, Málaga, where the suspect reportedly entered wearing a motorcycle helmet and carrying a large machete.
According to reports from Spanish media, the incident happened in the afternoon when the man approached the bar and demanded money, reportedly saying, “The money, now.”
Rather than immediately recognising the situation as a genuine robbery, the bartender and customers reportedly believed the man was playing a prank. Their reaction left the would-be robber visibly confused.
At one point, the bartender reportedly handled the machete and remarked that the blade was damaged, further turning the tense situation into an extraordinary scene.
The suspect eventually abandoned the attempt and left the premises without taking any money. The staff only realised the seriousness of what had happened after learning of another similar robbery in the area.
Local outlet Mijas Comunicación reported that police were already investigating a series of violent robberies in Mijas and nearby Fuengirola. The suspect was subsequently arrested in the Los Limones area, with another man also arrested for allegedly assisting his escape by motorcycle. Mijas Comunicación reported that the main suspect was remanded in provisional custody.
Police linked the suspect to several alleged robberies, including incidents at two hotels in Fuengirola and another at a fast-food restaurant in Mijas. Authorities said a machete was used in three of the alleged robberies and a firearm in another.
Later reporting by SUR in English said National Police arrested a man linked to four robberies in Mijas and Fuengirola and that the suspect had allegedly carried both a machete and a pistol. SUR in English reported that the suspect was subsequently placed in custody.
The unusual footage has attracted widespread attention online, largely because the intended victims appeared to treat the dangerous situation as a joke. However, the incident could easily have ended differently, given that the attacker was carrying a large bladed weapon.
The episode serves as a reminder that apparent jokes involving weapons can rapidly become dangerous situations. Authorities continue to treat armed robbery as a serious criminal offence regardless of whether the intended victim complies with the attacker.
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