Police officer shot dead outside police station in Timbiquí, Cauca
An armed man opened fire on patrol officer José David Ahumada Mendoza in the early hours of 13 September in Timbiquí. Police are investigating the attack and searching for the perpetrator.
Police officer killed in armed attack at Timbiquí police station
A National Police officer died in the early hours of Sunday, 13 September 2026 after an armed man approached the Timbiquí police station in Cauca and shot him while he was on guard duty at the entrance. According to infobae.com, officer José David Ahumada Mendoza was struck by gunfire around 1:30 a.m. in the urban area of the municipality.
Community representatives cited by El País reported that the attacker approached the facility and shot the patrol officer in the head. His colleagues administered first aid, but the wounds proved fatal. The assailant fled the scene after the attack.
In an official statement, the institution confirmed the death. "The attack caused his death," the Police stated, and also condemned the act through its X account. "With deep sorrow we reject this cowardly attack," the organisation posted, and also expressed solidarity with the family members, friends and colleagues of the fallen officer.
The Director General of the National Police, Major General Jesús Alejandro Barrera Peña, condemned the attack and ordered the deployment of operational and investigative resources to identify and apprehend those responsible. "As Director General, I have ordered the deployment of all institutional capabilities to capture those responsible for this attack," the senior officer stated, and also expressed his condolences to the officer's relatives. "We accompany his family with respect and solidarity," Barrera Peña said.
The authorities are conducting investigations to determine the circumstances of the incident. One of the hypotheses being analysed is a possible link to a so-called "gun plan" targeting members of the security forces, although this line of inquiry still requires verification within the official investigation. So far, no arrests have been reported nor has the identity of the attacker been disclosed.
Following news of the homicide, local authorities convened a security council to examine available information, strengthen protective measures and define actions in response to the public order situation in the municipality. Community leaders noted that the attack occurred at a central point of the town, near a state facility.
Timbiquí is experiencing sustained tension due to the presence and rivalry of illegal armed groups in areas of the Cauca coastline. This situation has led police and military personnel to reinforce security protocols during their movements and operations in the department.
The National Police emphasised that Ahumada Mendoza remained on duty until the moment of the attack. "His dedication will remain in our memory," the institution said in its social media statement. The organisation stated that it will support the officer's family members and relatives as the process to clarify the case proceeds.
Source: Google News CO — Crime