20-year-old police officer dies following robbery in Cali: "She lost her life protecting citizens"
María José Recuero, a 20-year-old police officer from Montería, died after being wounded in a shootout during a robbery in the Industrial neighbourhood of Cali.
20-year-old police officer killed following armed confrontation in Cali's Industrial neighbourhood
A National Police officer died on 23 October 2026 after suffering gunshot wounds during a violent robbery in the Industrial neighbourhood of Cali, according to infobae.com. The victim is María José Recuero, 20 years old, originally from Montería, Córdoba.
According to a statement from the Santiago de Cali Metropolitan Police, several armed men attempted to steal a motorcycle and other belongings from a police officer attached to the Valle del Cauca Police Department, who was on leave at the time.
Shootout leaves three police officers wounded and one criminal neutralised
Agents from the Municipal Police Station responded to the situation, and an exchange of gunfire ensued between the authorities and the criminals. One of the suspected perpetrators was neutralised during the operation.
Three uniformed officers were injured: Officer Recuero, who later died; one agent who was recovering; and another police officer who was released with medical incapacity.
During the operation, authorities seized two firearms, four stolen mobile phones, and a motorcycle that was reportedly used to commit the crime. The Metropolitan Police noted that the suspected criminals would be linked to three additional robberies committed hours earlier in other areas of the city.
Criminal investigation underway to identify remaining suspects
The Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Division launched investigation work and collection of material evidence in order to identify the other participants in the robbery and bring them before the courts.
The National Police expressed its condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen officer. "We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues, and we stand with them during this difficult time. We honour her memory and her commitment to protecting Colombians. Her dedication and vocation for service will remain in the heart of our Institution," the institution stated in a statement.
Reactions from local and departmental officials
The Governor of Córdoba published a message of condolences on X, highlighting the Montería origins of the police officer. "We deeply lament the death of María José Recuero, a young police officer from Montería just 20 years old, who lost her life whilst protecting citizens in Cali. It saddens us that such a young life is lost due to crime. My heartfelt embrace to her family, loved ones and all the National Police," the departmental official stated.
Cali City Councillor Carlos Andrés Airas Rueda also commented on the death of the officer and called for more effective measures to combat crime in the city's streets. "We deeply regret the death of police officer María José Recuero Suárez. Our condolences to her family and to the Cali Police. There is an urgent need to strengthen operations to address crime and protect the lives of those who serve Cali," he said.
The Cali Ombudsman's Office joined the messages of rejection and demanded that authorities clarify the facts to prevent impunity. "We cannot allow crime to continue taking lives and causing pain to Cali families! Life must be respected and protected. We reiterate our call to strengthen security actions and guarantee the protection of those who work for the peace of citizens," the oversight body stated.
Source: Google News CO — Crime