Chile Prosecutor: Police Attack was Planned, Elaborate Action

On Thursday, Regional Prosecutor Roberto Garrido led an investigation at the site where three police officers were attacked in Antiquina, Cañete, Biobío Region of Chile. The distance between where the officers received bullet wounds and where they were left is approximately 5.3 kilometers.

Why this matters: The alleged planned attack on police officers in Chile raises concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel and the potential for increased violence in the region. This incident may also have implications for the country's efforts to combat organized crime and maintain social order.

After a five-hour investigation, Garrido emphasized, "What we can affirm is that it is an action that, evidently, was planned, was elaborate, and that required the participation of more than one person, and that it was not a fortuitous situation, but of an action in which there are obvious signs of preparation and planning." He stated they cannot yet confirm the number of people involved in the attack.

The prosecutor revealed there are protected witnesses in the case who have strict protection over their integrity due to their substantial collaboration on the facts. In a related development, the Navy reported five people were arrested during raids in Antiquina, carried out with the Investigative Police (PDI). However, none of those arrested will face charges in this case.

Garrido clarified that the procedure at the crime scene cannot be considered a scene reconstruction, as it requires the presence of the accused, victims, or witnesses, which was not the case. He also addressed a statement from the Weichán Auca Mapu (WAM) group denying involvement in the crime. Garrido expressed skepticism, noting the same organization demands freedom for Luis Kallfulican Tranamil, who is convicted of participating in the murder of a non-commissioned officer.

Key Takeaways

• 3 police officers were attacked in Antiquina, Chile, with a 5.3km distance between where they were shot and left.
• The attack is believed to be planned and elaborate, requiring multiple people.
• Prosecutor Roberto Garrido leads the investigation, with protected witnesses providing substantial information.
• 5 people were arrested in related raids, but none will face charges in this case.
• The Weichán Auca Mapu (WAM) group denies involvement, but the prosecutor is skeptical due to their past actions.