In a bizarre and unsettling incident in Cervera (Lleida, Catalonia), a 70-year-old beekeeper has been arrested after deliberately releasing a swarm of bees on local police officers during a roadside stop. The event, though initially sounding farcical, is now being treated as a case of reckless endangerment and aggression against law enforcement.
The confrontation occurred on Thursday morning, when officers from the Mossos d’Esquadra observed a van swerving erratically along a rural stretch of road between Cervera and Sant Guim de Freixenet. After signalling the vehicle to pull over, the driver initially complied but appeared agitated and uncooperative.
According to the police report, the man — a local apiculturist known for operating bee hives in the surrounding countryside — began shouting incoherently and ignored repeated instructions to remain inside his vehicle. Moments later, he exited the van and flung open the rear doors, revealing multiple bee boxes inside.
Within seconds, a cloud of bees emerged, having been disturbed from their stacked hives. The insects quickly swarmed around the officers, forcing them to retreat while attempting to shield their faces. One officer was reportedly stung multiple times on the arms and neck, though none of the injuries were life-threatening. He was later treated at a local health centre and discharged.
The beekeeper then attempted to flee on foot, but was caught and subdued by backup units. Police confirmed he did not possess proper permits for transporting active hives in unsecured conditions. It is unclear whether the bees had been intentionally provoked prior to the incident.
He has been formally charged with:
- Reckless endangerment (putting others at risk through negligent handling of animals),
- Disobedience and aggression against authority,
- Transporting livestock without appropriate containment or documentation.
The swarm was later safely managed by a specialised apiculture unit, and the bees were transferred to a controlled holding area outside the town.
Though the story has attracted widespread amusement on social media — with headlines referring to it as a “sting operation gone wrong” — local authorities have reminded the public that interfering with law enforcement in such a way carries serious legal consequences, regardless of the means used.
A spokesperson for the Mossos d’Esquadra commented:
“This may sound comical, but the outcome could have been severe. Allergic reactions, road danger, and aggressive behaviour all add up to a potentially tragic scenario.”
The suspect is now in custody pending a court appearance, and veterinary services have been asked to assess the condition of the bees, which may have been stressed by the transport.
No Comment! Be the first one.