In Santa Ana, Manabí, a courageous son thwarted an attempted kidnapping of his father, a hardware store owner, when a group of men disguised as police attempted the abduction. The incident occurred on the afternoon of March 3, when the perpetrators, dressed similarly to the National Police, made their move in a vehicle resembling a police patrol. However, the son intervened by blocking the road with his vehicle, which initiated a high-speed chase as the would-be kidnappers fled.

During their escape, the suspects discarded firearms that were subsequently collected as evidence for the ongoing investigation. Despite their efforts, the vehicle they were using fell into a drainage ditch in the Santa Lucía area, leading to a chaotic scene where the suspects abandoned the injured merchant and fled on foot. This daring rescue act highlighted not only familial bravery but also raised concerns about the rise of criminal tactics involving impersonation of law enforcement.

Authorities have begun a detailed investigation, utilizing the evidence left behind to track the suspects. This incident sheds light on the alarming trend of crime where impersonation is used for kidnapping purposes, and it underlines the need for greater public awareness and improved security measures to protect vulnerable individuals against such threats.