Two teenagers with a firearm were apprehended in police pursuit in Esmeraldas
Two teenagers were apprehended in northern Esmeraldas after attempting to evade police during a checkpoint.
In a recent operation, two adolescents were apprehended by police officers from the Operational Motorized Group (GOM) in the La Cucha area of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. This incident occurred on a Tuesday night when the suspects were riding a motorcycle and disregarded police orders to stop at a checkpoint. Instead, they attempted to flee through a road leading to an elevated area, prompting a police pursuit.
After a quick intervention, the police successfully intercepted the suspects, who were found in possession of a semi-automatic firearm, eight unspent bullets, and a cell phone. The operation resulted in the retention of their motorcycle as well. The apprehension highlights ongoing challenges related to youth and firearms in the region, as well as the police's efforts to maintain public safety amidst rising crime rates.
This event adds to the growing concerns regarding violence and crime in Esmeraldas, where recent reports have indicated an increase in criminal activities, including firearms being used by young individuals. The commander of the police subzone 8 of Esmeraldas, Armando Padilla, noted that all evidence collected during the operation has been sent to the police command for further investigation. This case exemplifies the police's active role in combating crime and ensuring the safety of the community in Ecuador.