A Remarkable Night of Dual Duty: Police Officer and Referee Intervenes in Potential Tragedy
On a chilly January evening in Barcelona’s Les Corts district, a routine night took an unexpected turn when a National Police officer demonstrated extraordinary courage. Antonio Rodríguez Villanueva, a 35-year-old First Division soccer referee, found himself thrust into a critical moment of public service beyond his professional responsibilities.
The incident unfolded near Joan Güell Street after 10 PM, when a deeply troubling domestic confrontation erupted. A woman leaving her workplace was approached by her ex-partner, a 32-year-old man intent on rekindling their recently terminated relationship. When she firmly rejected his advances, the situation escalated dramatically.
Witnesses reported that the man suddenly became violent, attacking the woman with a knife and striking her in the neck. Immediately after the assault, he attempted to flee the scene. Concerned bystanders began shouting and pursuing the suspect, desperately calling for police intervention.
At that precise moment, Officer Rodríguez Villanueva, who was nearby, quickly assessed the unfolding emergency. After swiftly understanding the circumstances from witnesses, he didn’t hesitate to take action. Despite being off-duty, he pursued the suspect with remarkable determination.
The chase was brief but intense. Within moments, the officer caught and subdued the suspect just meters away from a local Urban Guard Police Station. Law enforcement quickly secured the scene, recovering the weapon used in the attack and taking the suspect into custody.
Emergency medical services promptly attended to the victim, who was immediately transported to Clinic Hospital for urgent treatment. Fortunately, medical professionals were able to stabilize her condition, and she is currently reported to be out of danger.
National Police
The National Police shared the incident through their social media channels, highlighting the officer’s commendable actions. Rodríguez Villanueva, who has been serving in Catalonia and officiating as a referee for five seasons, spoke about the event with remarkable humility.
In a subsequent interview, he expressed a heartfelt desire to support the victim, stating, “Personally, I would like to reach out and provide our complete support.” He viewed his intervention not as heroism, but as a simple contribution to societal well-being.
Interestingly, Rodríguez Villanueva’s professional life as a soccer referee adds another layer to his story. Having achieved promotion to the First Division in 2020 at age 31, he has an extensive background in officiating, starting from school sports at 14. Unlike many of his colleagues, he must balance his refereeing career with another job, typically earning around 500 euros gross per match and officiating approximately two games monthly.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing commitment to public service demonstrated by professionals like Rodríguez Villanueva, who remain alert and willing to act, regardless of their official duty status.
