Stepfather detained for assaulting nine-year-old girl in Guasmo Sur, Guayaquil
A man was arrested after a video showing him beating a child in Guayaquil went viral. President Noboa reacted and promised that no aggressor would go unpunished.
Noboa warns that "every criminal will face punishment" following arrest of attacker in Guayaquil
The National Police detained the alleged perpetrator of an assault on a nine-year-old girl in the Guasmo Sur sector of Guayaquil after a video of the incident went viral on social media on Saturday, 12 September 2026, according to expreso.ec.
The images circulated show the child being dragged and repeatedly struck by a man identified as her stepfather. The video was recorded by a person from the family circle and began circulating on Saturday morning, generating widespread outrage amongst citizens.
President Daniel Noboa reacted through his social media channels by sharing a visual compilation of images from the incident and of the police operation. "Every criminal will face punishment. In Ecuador no one escapes," is stated in the video distributed by the head of state.
Noboa also issued a direct warning against those who harm minors: "In Ecuador, every aggressor, every criminal and every coward who takes advantage of the most vulnerable will be found, detained and brought before justice."
The commander of Zone 8, Walter Villarroel, explained that the Police activated its investigation protocols as soon as the case came to light. According to the officer, the man had allegedly assaulted both his romantic partner and her daughter. Following the assault, residents of the sector reacted against the suspect, who fled the area and sought refuge.
Specialised units for domestic violence and family protection gathered information to establish the whereabouts of the individual involved. "Today he is detained and at the orders of the competent authority," Villarroel stated.
The commander highlighted citizen collaboration as a key factor in guiding search operations. Villarroel also reported that the child and her mother are under police protection and that corresponding protocols have been activated to ensure their safety. The authorities arranged medical and psychological care for both.
The Police indicated that it continues gathering information about the circumstances of the incident and that the judicial authority will be responsible for determining corresponding liabilities. The suspect remains at the orders of the authorities as the legal proceedings advance.
Source: Google News EC — Guayaquil