Four arrested for robbery of street trader in El Alto: money and weapon recovered
Police captured four members of a gang that attacked a street trader in San Antonio, El Alto, and stole $4,000 and 11,000 bolivianos from her.
Four arrested following armed robbery of street trader in San Antonio area
Bolivian Police detained four people linked to the aggravated robbery committed against a street trader in the San Antonio area of El Alto on Thursday, 22 May. According to El Deber, the criminals took $4,000 and 11,000 bolivianos from the victim as she was heading to her home on 9th Street in the sector.
Police commander-in-chief Adrián Álvarez explained that the woman was intercepted by armed individuals who got out of a vehicle. Of the amounts stolen, only 5,970 bolivianos and $1,000 were recovered, found in the possession of one of those arrested.
Álvarez identified three of the four detainees by name and surname: Braulio C.A., aged 41; Abigail Alejandra R., aged 27; and Claudia F.S., aged 37. The three were placed at the disposal of the Public Ministry so that the competent authorities could determine their direct participation, their responsibility and the corresponding sanctions in accordance with criminal procedure.
A fourth suspect was captured at the La Paz bus terminal when attempting to flee, after learning that his accomplices had been taken into police custody. A 9-millimetre calibre firearm was found in his possession and was seized.
The first three detainees were identified through analysis of surveillance camera footage. Investigators from the Special Force Against Crime (Felcc) in La Paz traced the images and succeeded in identifying the vehicle used in the robbery. The robbers had covered the roof of the vehicle with cloth to hinder its identification, but the measure proved insufficient to evade the investigators.
Álvarez clarified that at least six people participated in the robbery, so investigations are continuing to locate the remaining suspects. Along with the weapon and seized vehicle, officers also seized four mobile phones and other items linking the detainees to the commission of the crime.
"We will not allow this type of criminal organisations to attempt to intimidate our population," declared commander Álvarez.
Source: El Deber