Police officer killed and another wounded in armed attack in Hato Corozal, Casanare
A 37-year-old patrol officer died and a subintendant was left in critical condition after being shot in Hato Corozal, Casanare. President De la Espriella ordered operations to capture those responsible.
Armed attack in Hato Corozal leaves one police officer dead and another in critical condition
An armed attack against two National Police officers in Hato Corozal, Casanare, claimed the life of patrol officer Juan Sebastián Quintero Caldas, 37 years old, during the night of Wednesday 11 November, according to infobae.com.
Quintero Caldas and a subintendant were travelling on a motorcycle near a petrol station when they were attacked with several gunshots. The patrol officer died at the scene; his colleague was taken to a medical centre and remains in critical condition, according to the governor of Casanare, César Ortiz. A citizen was also wounded in the incident, although her condition is not life-threatening.
According to reports cited by Blu Radio, the attackers allegedly robbed the officers of their service weapons before shooting them. The authorities must clarify this point as part of the ongoing investigations.
Presidential response and operational deployment
Following news of the attack, President Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the murder and announced the immediate deployment of operational capacities, intelligence and criminal investigation. Through his social media, the president expressed solidarity with the family of the deceased patrol officer and with the police institution.
"I have ordered the deployment of all operational capacities, intelligence and criminal investigation to identify, pursue and capture those responsible as soon as possible," wrote De la Espriella.
The president also warned that the crime would not go unpunished. "We will not allow these murderers to believe they can take the lives of our heroes and escape justice. We are going to pursue them until we find them; they will pay for this crime," he stated. He added that every attack against the Public Force would receive a forceful response from the State.
So far no arrests related to the case have been reported, nor have results of the procedures ordered by the executive been disclosed.
Statement from the governor of Casanare
Governor César Ortiz also rejected the attack and called for institutional and civic unity in the face of violence. "I strongly condemn the attack perpetrated against members of our Police in the municipality of Hato Corozal," said the departmental leader.
Ortiz called for maintaining support for the police officers carrying out security work in the department. "In these difficult times we must be more united than ever to support our Public Force and face with courage those who intend to sow terror and affect the peace of Colombia," he said.
The governor extended his solidarity to both the family of the deceased officer and the residents of the municipality where the attack occurred. "Our police officers are not alone, Casanare and Colombia stand with you," he concluded in his statement.
Source: Google News CO — Crime