A man was captured for setting a parked vehicle on fire in downtown Guayaquil, Ecuador, with security footage showing the suspect fleeing the scene shortly after the incident.
A man was apprehended after being suspected of setting a parked vehicle on fire at the intersection of Luis Urdaneta and Riobamba streets in downtown Guayaquil on the night of February 22. The incident occurred around 9:30 PM and involved a gray car owned by a local merchant who stated he had not received any threats or been a victim of extortion prior to the act. Local security cameras captured the moment the assailant, dressed in black, approached the vehicle and ignited it, using what appeared to be a flask of fuel before fleeing the scene in a blue vehicle.
Local residents and family members of the vehicle's owner reacted quickly to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading. This quick response likely mitigated further damage and potential injury, underscoring the community's vigilance in response to such threats. As the investigation progressed, police were able to track down and capture the suspect in the Pascuales district, specifically within the Bastió circuit on February 23, highlighting the promptness and effectiveness of law enforcement's response to the incident.
The incident raises concerns about public safety and the prevalence of arson in urban areas, potentially signaling a rise in criminal activity that could threaten local residents and businesses. As investigations continue, authorities are likely focusing on understanding the motives behind the suspect's actions and determining whether he has connections to broader criminal networks, particularly given the lack of prior threats against the vehicle's owner.
