Gang members attack homes and vehicles in the fourth ring of Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Armed gang members wielding machetes, stones and sticks took control of the fourth ring area between radial 26 and the Isuto canal during the early morning hours, causing damage to houses, creating vehicular chaos and putting neighbours and passers-by at risk.
Gang members attack homes and vehicles in the fourth ring of Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Near midnight on Friday, sectors of the fourth ring—between radial 26 and the Isuto canal—fell under the control of criminal gangs that attacked both properties and residents of the area with machetes, stones and sticks.
A witness recounted that he was travelling through the area carrying food for his son, who was working, when he suddenly observed dozens of people running in all directions to escape from furious individuals wielding machetes and hurling stones against building facades. Facing the danger, he decided to turn back to protect himself.
According to accounts from those who suffered the attacks, the violence continued until around two in the morning on Saturday. The disturbances were not limited to the neighbourhoods adjacent to the fourth ring, radial 26 and the Isuto canal, but also reached nearby urbanisations and the Nueva Jerusalén neighbourhood.
The incidents caused serious traffic disorder, as drivers could not advance and several passengers had to get out of their vehicles to avoid being struck by projectiles or stabbed. The attackers moved about both on foot and on motorcycles.
The community requested assistance from law enforcement, who arrived with patrol vehicles to protect residents and disperse the violent groups. Agents confirmed damage to both state and private properties. The gang members resisted the intervention, although uniformed officers ultimately managed to restore order in the area.
The police institution will issue a report on the operations carried out and possible arrests of those involved.
Neighbourhood association leaders, who requested anonymity out of fear of reprisals, stated that the presence of these gangs in the sector is constant, especially on weekends, and demanded reinforcement of security. "For months now, walking through these neighbourhoods at night puts our lives at risk," said another resident who was attacked.
Information published by El Deber
Source: El Deber