Three armed men arrested in Asunción after weapon threat at traffic light
The National Police apprehended three suspects in the Palomar neighbourhood following an alleged attempted homicide that stemmed from a traffic incident on Mariscal López avenue.
Three armed suspects detained in Asunción after traffic incident that led to pursuit
The National Police apprehended three armed men in the Palomar neighbourhood of Asunción on Sunday, following an alleged attempted homicide linked to a traffic collision on Mariscal López avenue, according to abc.com.py.
According to the account given by the victims, a couple were driving on that road when they collided with the occupants of another vehicle. The incident did not end there: the attackers initiated a pursuit that concluded with the intervention of a police patrol.
Sub-commissioner Víctor Ovelar, from the 7th Metropolitan Police Station, explained that the suspects intercepted the victims at a traffic light and that one of them pointed a firearm at the driver's head. "He pointed it at his husband's head and made the gesture of firing," the police chief stated.
After the alleged attempted shot, the victims accelerated and sought help from a patrol car that was carrying out preventive duties in the area. The officers immediately began pursuing the reported vehicle.
The operation ended on Bruno Guggiari and Sajonia avenue, where the three occupants of the car were apprehended. The detainees were identified as Carlos Mathias Moreno Maldonado (32), Isaac Demetrio Miranda Sandoval (26) and Ismael Panteón Acuña (30).
During the operation, agents seized a .22 calibre revolver of Argentine origin with five unfired cartridges. A silver Toyota Allex was also retained, allegedly used during the incident. The three arrested individuals were taken to police headquarters and placed at the disposal of the Public Prosecution Service, whilst the Criminal and Investigation units carried out the corresponding forensic examinations.
One of the aspects that caught the attention of investigators is that, following the dissemination of the operation, other people began approaching the police to identify the detainees as alleged perpetrators of similar acts. Sub-commissioner Ovelar noted that there are previous reports of shootings and injuries at nearby police stations. "The victims are coming forward and they are identifying the alleged perpetrators," he said.
Suspicions point especially to attacks committed in environments linked to violent supporter groups.
The three accused individuals have criminal records. Ismael Panteón Acuña has a record for wilful homicide and theft, whilst Carlos Mathias Moreno Maldonado has a record for aggravated robbery.
Investigators are awaiting the results of ballistic testing to determine whether the seized weapon was used in other violent incidents reported in the metropolitan area.
Source: Google News PY — Asunción