Man intentionally drove car into the sea in attempt to murder his wife; passersby saved her
A 45-year-old man of Albanian descent was arrested in Italy on suspicion of attempted murder after investigators concluded he intentionally accelerated and drove his car into the port waters with his wife inside. The woman, who cannot swim, was trapped in the sinking vehicle and managed to escape through the rear window with the help of passersby. The husband fled the scene but was located hours later hiding in a wooded area.
The incident, which initially appeared to be the result of a domestic dispute, has taken a serious turn: a 45-year-old man of Albanian descent has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to murder his wife. According to Italian police, he intentionally drove into the port waters in Cattolica, a resort town on the Adriatic coast in northeastern Italy. Both were rescued from the water, though the man fled the scene before being located several hours later.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon. Initial reports from the Italian news agency ANSA claimed the couple had argued before their Volkswagen Golf plunged into the port canal. However, the subsequent investigation has presented a much more disturbing picture.
According to Rai News, the Italian public broadcaster, the woman told investigators that her husband had suggested they go shopping together—an offer she found unusual. Upon arriving at the port area, he suddenly accelerated, struck a pole, and drove the car straight into the water. Investigators now suspect the act was intentional.
The man managed to exit the vehicle quickly, but his 44-year-old wife remained trapped inside as the car filled with water. Her situation was life-threatening, as she does not know how to swim. She eventually managed to escape through the rear window as the vehicle sank.
Two passersby jumped into the water to assist. Using a rope thrown from the pier, they reached the woman and helped her to safety. She was taken to the hospital in a state of severe shock but sustained no physical injuries and was later discharged.
The drama continued after the rescue. Upon reaching the pier, the husband fled on foot. The Carabinieri, Italy's military police, launched a search and located him that evening in a wooded area near his home in San Giovanni in Marignano. He was arrested and transferred to the Rimini prosecutor's office on suspicion of attempted murder.
Investigators believe the incident followed a volatile night at the family home. A day earlier, police had been called to the residence following a report of a domestic quarrel. The man was arrested at that time on suspicion of resisting a public official after attacking two officers and damaging a patrol car. His arrest was confirmed in court, and he was released under the condition that he report to the police.
Authorities are currently examining the suspicion that the 45-year-old blamed his wife for his previous arrest. According to her testimony, after returning home, he explicitly asked her if she had called the police. It was also reported that before leaving with his wife, he had invited their adult daughter to join them, but she refused.
