A Greek truck driver was arrested at the Reggio Emilia highway toll booth after assaulting two Polizia Stradale officers during a routine vehicle inspection, according to reports from local Italian judicial proceedings.
A Routine Stop on the Northern Italian Highway
The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. on a Saturday at the toll plaza in northern Italy. Traffic police pulled over a commercial truck and tractor unit for document checks.
According to police reports presented during court proceedings at the Tribunal of Reggio Emilia, officers flagged the driver’s passport for seizure after discovering he was wanted by authorities in Greece.
Violence Erupts at the Toll Plaza
Upon realizing his passport was subject to a warrant, the 40-year-old driver became violent.
Court documents state the suspect punched a male officer in the face, dragged him to the ground, and attempted to seize his service weapon. The driver then turned on a female officer, physically shoving her and spitting in her face.
Backup Arrives as Confrontation Escalates
Additional backup units from Modena Nord and the Guastalla detachment arrived at the scene as the confrontation escalated. Investigators stated the driver approached the arriving police vehicles while flailing his arms and issuing verbal threats.
The primary officer assaulted during the incident sustained multiple contusions requiring three days of recovery, while the second officer underwent mandatory medical evaluations at the scene. Four additional troopers assisted in subduing and securing the suspect.
Expedited Trial Proceedings in Reggio Emilia
The following morning, the suspect appeared before Judge Sarah Iusto at the Tribunal of Reggio Emilia for an expedited direct trial proceeding known as a giudizio per direttissima.
Defense attorney Pasquale Muto requested a formal adjournment to review case files and evaluate potential alternative judicial proceedings for his client.
Judge Iusto validated the arrest during the initial hearing and ordered the defendant released pending a rescheduled court appearance set for Tuesday of the following week.
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