Police arrest Egyptian asylum seeker in Reggio Emilia hospital robbery

The State Police in Reggio Emilia detained a 27‑year‑old Egyptian asylum seeker, known to authorities, on suspicion of aggravated robbery. On 10 July around 13:00, the suspect and an unidentified accomplice approached an elderly man, his wife and son as they left the Santa Maria Nuova Hospital. Riding a bicycle, the pair distracted the family, attempted to seize a gold necklace from the victim’s neck, and, after resistance, attacked the elderly man, his son and a passerby before fleeing on foot. Police units from the mobile squad promptly began a city‑wide search. At about 17:00 a patrol spotted a person matching the suspect’s description in Piazza del Tricolore, leading to his arrest and detention at the Reggio Emilia prison. He faces charges of aggravated robbery in concert, while investigations continue to locate the accomplice.