A dramatic turn of events unfolded in southern Italy when a fugitive was apprehended after attempting to evade authorities by disguising himself as a statue in a Christmas nativity scene. The incident occurred on Saturday in Galatone, a town located in the picturesque Puglia region.
Discovery of the fugitive
The 38-year-old man, originally from Ghana, was spotted by the town’s Mayor Flavio Filoni while he was admiring the beautifully crafted nativity display in Piazza Santissimo Crocifisso. In a post on social media, Mayor Filoni recounted his initial impression:
“While I was standing before the nativity scene, lovingly crafted by our Pro Loco, I noticed something I’d initially mistaken for part of the scene. A detail that seemed innocuous, but it turned out to be crucial.”
At first, the mayor thought the lifelike figure was a remarkable addition to the nativity scene. However, upon closer inspection, he realized it was, in fact, a real person. Concerned, Filoni reached out to another local official to assess the situation and encourage the man to vacate the nativity scene.
Police intervention and background
Reports indicate that the man resisted efforts to persuade him to leave, insisting that the nativity scene was his home. This prompted the swift arrival of local law enforcement, state police, and Carabinieri, who quickly identified him as a wanted individual.
The fugitive had been on the run after escaping a sentence of nine months and 15 days in prison in Bologna for charges including resisting a public official and aggravated assault. Mayor Filoni expressed gratitude for the rapid response of law enforcement agencies, stating,
“Thanks to the prompt intervention of our local police, state police, and Carabinieri, it was possible to track down and identify a fugitive and wanted person.”
He further emphasized the importance of trusting the daily efforts of those dedicated to ensuring safety and upholding the law. Galatone, home to approximately 15,400 residents, is situated about 26 kilometers from Lecce, nestled in the scenic Salento region of southern Puglia.