Rabat — Moroccan police arrested a man in Casablanca on Friday after he held two women captive, sexually assaulted one of them, and attempted to set his home on fire as officers moved in to rescue the victims.
The operation, carried out by the judicial police of Casablanca‘s Sidi Bernoussi security district, attracted widespread attention after videos shared across social media documented the tense intervention. The footage shows police surrounding the house, securing the area, and eventually apprehending the suspect as large crowds followed the unfolding operation.
According to preliminary findings, the suspect allegedly lured the two women to his residence in Casablanca before confining them inside. One of the victims managed to escape by climbing across the rooftop and alerted authorities, while the second woman remained trapped inside the house. Police say she was allegedly subjected to a violent sexual assault.
Security forces responded immediately after receiving reports of the incident. During the intervention, the suspect resisted arrest by throwing heavy objects and metal items at officers from the roof of the house. Authorities said he also attempted to ignite a fire using gas cylinders, creating an additional risk for police, the victims, and nearby residents.
Despite the resistance, officers succeeded in rescuing the second woman, neutralizing the threat, and arresting the suspect without the situation escalating further. Police also seized several gas cylinders along with metal utensils and other objects allegedly used during the attack.
The suspect has been placed under judicial investigation under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor’s office. Investigators are working to establish the full circumstances of the case, determine the motive behind the alleged crimes, and gather all relevant evidence.
The dramatic rescue operation quickly gained traction online, with videos of the police intervention circulating widely on social media and drawing significant public attention as users followed developments in the case.
