Man attacked police with knife in Barrio Chiquito and was released by Prosecutor's Office
Two people detained in the Santa Lucía neighbourhood of Asunción were released hours later following a decision by prosecutor Claide Acosta, who argued that the assault was not carried out.
Released after attempted assault on police with white weapon in Asunción
Gabriel Bernardo Toledo Ortiz (21) and Cristhian Alejandro Vázquez (22) were detained on Monday night in the Santa Lucía neighbourhood of Asunción, known as "Barrio Chiquito", on suspicion of resisting authority and attempted assault on police officers with a knife. According to abc.com.py, both regained their freedom hours later by decision of the Prosecutor's Office.
The incident took place around 20:00 during a preventive patrol by officers from the 19th Police Station of Asunción. The uniformed officers went to the "canchita" (small sports ground) in the neighbourhood, at the intersection of Teniente Caballero and Última streets, after receiving complaints from residents about loud noises, public disturbances and alleged fights related to drug use.
Sub-commissioner Livio Brizuela, deputy head of the 19th Police Station, stated that the two men adopted a suspicious attitude upon noticing the police presence and attempted to flee. During the pursuit, Toledo Ortiz allegedly drew the white weapon and attempted to attack the officers, although he was subdued before the assault could be carried out.
Brizuela clarified that no drugs were found in the possession of those arrested, although those involved suspect that they threw some substance away during their flight to avoid being linked to it.
After approximately six hours at the police station, prosecutor Claide Acosta ordered the release of both. According to Brizuela's account, the Public Ministry representative argued that the attack against the officers was not actually carried out and there were no injuries or bloodshed.
"For that reason, she determined there is no grounds for charges and, therefore, ordered their release," the sub-commissioner said.
Brizuela also expressed his concern about the decision and warned of the risk of reoffending. "We will be waiting, counting the hours, for these people, upon regaining their freedom, to commit another criminal act possibly even more serious," he stated.
Source: Google News PY — Asunción