16-year-old student arrested with improvised weapon at Guayaquil school
A teenager was arrested during classes at Unidad Educativa Dolores Sucre after an improvised firearm was found in his rucksack.
Improvised weapon found in student's rucksack during school day
A 16-year-old student was arrested by police on 17 September 2026 after officers discovered an object with characteristics similar to a firearm inside his rucksack, according to extra.ec. The operation took place at approximately 12:30, whilst classes were in session at Unidad Educativa Dolores Sucre, located on Avenida Carlos Julio Arosemena in the Florida district of Guayaquil.
Authorities were alerted after a teacher noticed unusual behaviour in the adolescent and reported the situation to the school. Police officers responded to the establishment and conducted a search of the student's belongings.
Major Franklin Pacheco, head of Operational Management for the Florida district, confirmed that an object "firsthand known to be of improvised manufacture" was found inside the rucksack. Images released by police show the device: of unconventional structure, with components that appear to be plastic and metal parts, plus a piece resembling a nail protruding from the upper part of the trigger. The definitive characteristics of the object are to be determined through the corresponding technical procedures.
In visual recordings shared by the authorities, the young man can be seen in school uniform with his shirt untucked, being escorted towards the exit of the establishment by police officers, accompanied by what would be his legal representatives.
Following the discovery, officers requested the presence of investigative units and formally notified the minor's representatives. The case is also being investigated under the hypothesis that the adolescent may have had contact with a criminal organisation through social networks.
Pacheco noted that this line of investigation forms part of preliminary information being handled by investigators. According to the officer, criminal groups use digital platforms to approach minors: "They are in charge of recruiting victims, especially minors," he stated. These approaches may include financial offers or proposals linked to illicit activities, although the specific circumstances of the case are still to be established during the investigation.
Pacheco also mentioned that police operate in coordination with the Ministry of Education through the Shield Plan, a programme that includes controls and prevention actions within educational establishments. The plan aims to detect possible weapons and substances subject to regulation amongst student belongings, within the parameters established by current regulations.
Source: Google News EC — Guayaquil