On the afternoon of Saturday, February 21, a violent shooting incident took place at a self-service restaurant on the road to Daule in northern Guayaquil, alarming patrons inside the establishment. The victim, identified as 36-year-old William Leonardo Fajardo Muñoz, had arrived in his Chevrolet Trailblazer to pick up a food order when he was ambushed. Eyewitnesses reported that at least five assailants exited a nearby vehicle and opened fire on him, resulting in over 30 shots fired at his SUV.

The assault left Fajardo Muñoz gravely injured in the driver's seat, and despite the arrival of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. This incident underscores the continuing violence related to crime in Ecuador, particularly in urban centers like Guayaquil, where shootings have been increasingly common. The police are likely to investigate the circumstances surrounding this case, including any gang affiliations that may have led to this targeted attack.

Such brazen acts of violence at public venues raise significant concerns about safety and security in the region, as they can deter patrons from frequenting local businesses. Ecuador has been experiencing a surge in violent crime, which poses challenges for law enforcement and increases the urgency for community safety initiatives in order to restore public confidence in the authorities' ability to maintain order.