Police Files Charges After Ambush in Cotapachi | Policía presenta querella tras emboscada en Cotapachi

By Milen Saavedra, Red Uno:

Police announces lawsuit over assaults and stolen weapons during Cotapachi operation

The institution will formalize legal action against those who ambushed officers during the garbage-site clearance, confirming that two gas-launching rifles were stolen and seven officers were injured, some seriously.

Policía anuncia querella por lesiones graves y robo de armamento tras enfrentamientos en Cotapachi

Police announces lawsuit for serious injuries and weapons theft after clashes in Cotapachi

Amid the investigation into the violent events and deaths recorded in Cotapachi, Cochabamba, the Bolivian Police announced on Wednesday that it will act as a complainant in the criminal case over the assaults and injuries suffered by its personnel.

General Ghunter Agudo, Inspector General of the Police, reported that the lawsuit will be filed for the crimes of serious and very serious injuries against those responsible for the clashes and the ambush on the officers.

Planned ambush and equipment theft

Agudo explained that the police intervention in Cotapachi was carried out in compliance with a court order, but that the officers were victims of what he described as a “planned” ambush. As evidence of the coordination, he mentioned the presence of individuals “who were at the site piloting drones, communicating by cellphone, giving the location of our police public servants.”

In addition to the physical assaults, the Police denounced the theft of institutional equipment and personal belongings:

  • Loss of weapons: Two gas-launching rifles were stolen.
  • Injuries: Seven public servants were wounded, some with more serious injuries.
  • Theft of belongings: Helmets and personal cellphones of the officers were also taken.

Lawsuit to ensure justice

The Inspector General stressed that the purpose of acting as complainants is to ensure justice for the affected police public servants. “To guarantee that our police public servants receive justice and that we also support them in this action carried out in compliance with the law,” he added.

Agudo confirmed that, as a result of the operation, three people (including a woman) were apprehended and two drones, 20,000 bolivianos in cash, and explosive devices were seized.

Leave a comment