Hostage released after five-hour riot at Buenos Aires police station
A group of inmates held a police officer hostage at the Alcaidía 1-D in Buenos Aires. After five hours of negotiations, the officer was released with no injuries reported.
Police officer released after hostage situation at Buenos Aires detention facility
A police officer held against his will at the Alcaidía Vecinal 1-D, located at Lavalle 400 in the City of Buenos Aires, was released after more than five hours of tension, according to tn.com.ar.
Confirmation came directly from one of the detainees themselves. David, identified as such by the news outlet, spoke exclusively with the media and stated: "We've already handed him over, we've done our part". The same inmate detailed the conditions they were facing: "We don't even have a shower. We're in a very small space. They're throwing tear gas at us".
The incident originated from a fight between inmates. Horacio Giménez, Security Minister of the City of Buenos Aires, explained that the episode began with "a brawl between prisoners" and that when police officers entered the cell to separate them, they were detained by the inmates. According to available information at the time of reporting, approximately ten detainees were involved in the confrontation, although most had already been separated before the situation was resolved.
A crisis committee was immediately formed and negotiations began, extending throughout the afternoon. After approximately two hours from the start of the operation, the Metropolitan Special Operations Division (DOEM) entered along with the special rescue team. Fire crews from Puerto Madero's station No. 1 also participated, present with a fire engine and tools to open each cell, and the anti-bomb squad.
Negotiator Miguel Sileo, speaking with tn.com.ar, described the dynamics of the process: "We listen to their demands, it's a back-and-forth". He added: "We try to build empathy with these people. We have to make them understand that they shouldn't add another criminal charge". Sileo also warned that this type of situation can extend considerably: "It can take up to days. Sometimes up to 72 hours. It's not the same negotiating with one person as with 10".
A neighbour in the area told the same outlet that shouting started in the early morning: "This started at 4 in the morning. We heard the prisoners shouting 'I'm going to kill you'".
The partner of one of the detainees also appeared at the scene and spoke to the media. The woman, who preferred not to show her face, said that her partner had been in prison for a week on a domestic violence charge and that the previous day had been her first visit. During that encounter she perceived signs of tension: "He pointed out a cellmate to me as being problematic. He was causing trouble, shouting from behind the bars". The woman also relayed a message her partner had sent her hours before the riot: "I think there's going to be a riot, love. Tell my mum".
Giménez confirmed that all inmates who participated in the hostage-taking were examined by SAME and are in good condition. He also announced that they would face criminal charges: "These people will be accused of robbery, because they robbed the police officers, of unlawful deprivation of liberty and threats. They even emptied a police officer's bank account".
The minister clarified that one inmate in particular "had problems with everyone else" and was pointed out as the main factor of conflict. As an immediate measure, all those involved will be transferred. "Starting tonight, this detention facility will be closed for a period of time," Giménez confirmed.
Police sources had clarified during the course of the operation that there was no danger of escapes and that efforts were being made to resolve the situation internally.
Source: Google News AR — Buenos Aires