In the dark and damp setting of Parco della Resistenza in Ticinese, a 23-year-old attempted to portray a cinematic villain on the night of February 17. Wearing a realistic Joker mask, he was equipped with a range of weapons including a metal rod concealed in his pants, a 16-centimeter folding knife, and an improvised flamethrower made from a deodorant canister and a lighter. His intention was to commit robberies in the area, an unsettling reflection of urban crime.

The series of events began shortly after 10 PM when he confronted a young Italian man in a local garden, demanding money while brandishing his rod. The victim initially refused, resulting in a violent attack that left him injured. The assailant quickly grabbed the victim's phone and fled the scene. The terrified victim managed to call emergency services, reporting, "A man with a Joker mask has robbed me," highlighting the fear and unpredictability associated with such crimes.

Shortly after the first robbery, the same pattern was repeated in the nearby vicinity, raising concerns among local residents about safety in their community. This incident not only alarmed the neighborhood but also pointed to a growing issue with violent robbery tactics being used by individuals seeking to emulate notorious criminal figures, putting pressure on police to enhance security measures and respond effectively to such threats.