Moments of fear unfolded on Tuesday morning along State Road 613, the highway linking Lecce and Brindisi, where an armored van operated by Btv (Battistolli) was targeted in a planned robbery near Tuturano.
According to initial reports, the attackers blocked the roadway by placing a burning vehicle across the carriageway, forcing the armored van to stop. When Carabinieri patrols arrived at the scene, a gunfight broke out, with the assailants opening fire.
Despite the exchange of gunfire, no injuries were reported. The robbery attempt ultimately failed, and the suspects fled the area, triggering a police pursuit that continued into the nearby municipality of Squinzano, supported by additional law enforcement units.
The highway was temporarily closed to traffic to allow emergency operations and forensic investigations. Authorities are continuing their search for those responsible, while the road remains closed until full safety conditions are restored.