A violent robbery targeting a taxi driver was reported today near Palmanova on the Tirana–Elbasan highway, involving the use of both an axe and a firearm, according to the victim’s account.
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The driver stated that he picked up a passenger at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, who later attacked him during the journey. According to the testimony, the suspect used a sharp object resembling an axe and a pistol to threaten and assault the driver before stealing cash and a gold necklace from his neck.
After the attack, the suspect fled the scene and attempted to hide in nearby fields.
Police Response and Rapid Arrest
Law enforcement reacted immediately after the incident was reported, sealing off the area within minutes. Police operations led to the arrest of the suspected attacker approximately 15 minutes after the alert, according to preliminary information.
The swift response was crucial in preventing the suspect from escaping further and allowed authorities to secure the surrounding area quickly.
Taxi Driver Calls for Other Victims to Come Forward
Following the incident, the taxi driver issued a public appeal to other taxi operators, encouraging anyone who may have experienced similar encounters with the same individual to report to police and support the ongoing investigation.
He described the attack as sudden and violent, stressing that the suspect had posed as a regular passenger before initiating the assault.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are expected to continue investigating the case to determine whether the suspect may be linked to other similar incidents. Police have not yet released further details regarding the identity of the arrested individual.
The incident has raised concerns among transport workers regarding passenger safety, particularly for taxi drivers operating long-distance routes.