Italian woman arrested after allegedly spraying two pilgrims and assaulting police officers in Navarra
A peaceful day on the Camino de Santiago turned into a dramatic incident after an Italian woman was arrested in northern Spain for allegedly attacking two pilgrims with pepper spray before later assaulting two Guardia Civil officers during her arrest. Authorities also reported that she was carrying a knife at the time of the incident.
According to the Guardia Civil, the incident took place on the Camino de Santiago between and Alto de Ibañeta, one of the most scenic stretches of the French Way in Navarra.
The emergency call was made by several pilgrims after two French walkers reported being sprayed with pepper spray by a woman under circumstances that remain under investigation. Patrol officers from the Mobile Pilgrim Assistance Unit (OMAP) were immediately dispatched to locate the suspect.
Confrontation with police
When officers located the woman, she allegedly refused to cooperate and became aggressive during the identification process.
Investigators say she assaulted two Guardia Civil officers before being restrained and placed under arrest. During the search, officers also discovered that she was carrying a knife, adding further concern to an already serious situation.
The woman now faces allegations of assaulting law enforcement officers, while investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack on the two French pilgrims.
A rare incident on one of Europe’s safest pilgrimage routes
Despite this alarming event, authorities emphasize that incidents of violence on the Camino de Santiago remain extremely rare.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world complete the pilgrimage safely. Most police interventions involve lost hikers, minor accidents, health emergencies or assistance requests rather than criminal incidents.
The Guardia Civil continues to patrol the Camino through specialized units dedicated to assisting pilgrims and ensuring their safety throughout the journey.
Safety remains a priority
Officials remind pilgrims to immediately report any suspicious or aggressive behavior to emergency services or nearby Guardia Civil patrols.
While this case has attracted significant attention due to its unusual nature, authorities insist that the Camino de Santiago continues to be one of the safest long-distance pilgrimage routes in Europe.
The investigation remains ongoing as judicial authorities determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
