Stepfather arrested on suspicion of assaulting child in Guasmo Sur, Guayaquil
National Police arrested the suspect following the viral spread of a video on social media. The minor and her mother were placed in protective custody.
Arrest in Guayaquil for child abuse captured in video
The National Police detained a man on 12 September 2026 who is suspected of assaulting a child in the Florida 1 cooperative, in the Guasmo Sur sector of Guayaquil, according to reporting by elcomercio.com.
The case came to light following the circulation of a video on social media showing a man dragging and hitting the minor. The detained man is believed to be the child's stepfather and was located as a result of investigative procedures activated by the police.
Interior Minister John Reimberg confirmed the arrest through his social media accounts. "We've already got this bastard. Excellent work National Police," the official wrote.
The man was transferred to the Florida Norte Judicial Unit and placed under the authority competent for the corresponding legal proceedings. The minor and her mother were placed in protective custody and referred for the relevant assessments.
The Ministry of Labour and Human Development (MTDH) activated a specialist team for Special Protection to assist the victim. Its territorial teams carried out the collection of social information and continue to provide support to the family.
At the instruction of Minister Cynthia Gellibert, the MTDH is also coordinating with the National Directorate of Specialised Police for Children and Adolescents (Dinapen) with the aim of verifying the protection measures adopted and determining the corresponding actions.
The institution stated that it will continue to monitor family conditions to guarantee a safe and protective environment for the child.
Segura EP also activated its team, together with the Management for the Reconstruction of the Social Fabric and the entities of the Social Axis of the Guayaquil Municipality. The assistance includes legal advice, psychological care and social work for the minor. Segura EP reminded the public that similar cases can be reported through the 181 helpline.
The authorities are keeping the child's identity and all information that could affect her privacy or cause re-victimisation confidential.
Source: Google News EC — Guayaquil