In a tragic incident that has rocked the northern region of Quito, a merchant was shot dead next to his selling post in the Comité del Pueblo neighborhood early on the morning of March 2. The victim, who was preparing to showcase his goods, suffered fatal injuries on the sidewalk and succumbed shortly after the attack. The National Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder, which seemingly stemmed from an attempted robbery according to eyewitness accounts.

Witnesses reported that the man attempted to seek help after being assaulted but was unable to survive due to the severity of his wounds. Emergency services were alerted immediately, but unfortunately, they arrived too late, finding the merchant unresponsive on the ground. This incident has instigated fear among local residents and other vendors, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of individuals conducting business in the area.

In response to this incident, neighborhood residents and local entrepreneurs have called for heightened police presence to deter crime. They stressed that criminal activities, including robberies and extortion, occur at all hours, making it imperative for authorities to take swift action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community. This incident adds to a growing concern over public safety in urban areas, emphasizing the urgent need for effective law enforcement strategies to protect local businesses and residents alike.