BTN News: A tragic sicarial attack unfolded on a quiet Friday morning in the bustling neighborhood of San Antonio de Pereira, Rionegro, Antioquia, leaving a Venezuelan man dead and two others injured by stray bullets. The incident, which occurred near the central park at around 9:15 a.m., has ignited concerns over public safety and sparked a widespread manhunt for the motorcycle-riding assailant who fled the scene. As authorities intensify their investigation, the local community and government officials are calling for heightened security measures to combat the rising tide of violence in the region.
Deadly Attack Near Central Park in Rionegro
In the heart of the San Antonio de Pereira neighborhood, a sicarial killing shocked residents and bystanders on Friday morning. The victim, identified as Ramón Sánchez, a Venezuelan national, was intercepted near the central park by an unknown assailant who, without warning, opened fire multiple times, instantly causing his death. Witnesses reported the assailant arrived on a motorcycle, carried out the attack with chilling precision, and quickly fled the scene, evading capture.
Two Innocent Bystanders Caught in the Crossfire
The gunfire did not only claim the life of Sánchez but also left two other individuals injured. Both were struck by stray bullets and required urgent medical attention. One of the victims suffered a wound to the leg and was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital. Their current conditions are stable, but the incident has left the local community in shock and fear.
Local Authorities Respond with Immediate Action
In response to the attack, Jorge Rivas, the mayor of Rionegro, took swift action by ordering the immediate closure of the entire municipality. “Through our Monitoring and Control Center, we initiated a complete lockdown of Rionegro to track down these criminals,” he announced in a video statement. The mayor also extended an alert to surrounding municipalities, urging vigilance and cooperation in capturing the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act.
A Call for Greater Security Amid Rising Crime
Mayor Rivas did not stop at immediate measures; he also issued a call to the National Government for stronger security support. “We urge the government to strengthen our security resources,” he stated, emphasizing that Rionegro has seen a troubling increase in criminal activities in recent months. The community’s growing concern over safety and crime has pushed local authorities to seek more robust measures to protect residents and prevent future incidents.
Manhunt Underway: Suspect Remains at Large
While the sicarial attacker remains at large, law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to gather evidence and identify the motorcycle-riding gunman. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and following leads to uncover the motive behind this brutal killing and bring the suspect to justice.
Community in Shock as Investigation Continues
The residents of Rionegro are grappling with the fear and uncertainty that such violent acts inevitably bring. As the investigation continues, the local community remains on edge, waiting for answers and hoping for swift justice. The incident has underscored the urgent need for enhanced security and vigilance, not just in Rionegro but across all municipalities in Antioquia.
Key Developments to Watch
- Law Enforcement Measures: Increased police presence and investigation efforts in Rionegro and surrounding areas.
- Government Response: Potential policy changes and security reinforcements requested from the National Government.
- Community Reactions: Ongoing concerns and calls for peace and safety among local residents.
Conclusion: As Rionegro confronts the reality of a sudden spike in violence, local authorities and community members are united in their demand for stronger security measures and justice for those affected by this brutal sicarial attack. The story continues to develop as the hunt for the assailant intensifies, with the community and nation eagerly awaiting further updates on this unfolding tragedy.