Peruvian Police Officer Arrested in Attempted Homicide of Civilian in Lima
The National Police of Peru (PNP) arrested a non-commissioned officer, Benito Córdova López, on February 10, 2026, in connection with the shooting of a 37-year-old man in the Los Olivos district of Lima. The victim, José Luis Campos Rojas, remains in critical condition following the incident.
Officer Apprehended After Manhunt
The arrest of Córdova López followed an intensive search utilizing intelligence work and geolocation tools, according to a statement released by the PNP. Specialized units located the officer after he went missing following the shooting, which occurred outside a residence in the Río Blanco neighborhood. The PNP shared an update on the case via X (formerly Twitter):
https://twitter.com/PoliciaPeru/status/1756876543210989567
Dispute Escalates to Violence
The incident began when Campos Rojas attempted to intervene in a heated argument between Córdova López and his partner. Security camera footage reportedly shows Córdova López drawing a firearm and shooting Campos Rojas in the chest. A senior official described the act as a “very clear attempted homicide.”
During his arrest, Córdova López voluntarily surrendered a pistol, its case, and a cell phone, all of which were seized as evidence.
Questions Raised About Duty Status and Motive
Preliminary investigations suggest Córdova López may have been off-duty at the time of the shooting, potentially abandoning his post at the San Cayetano police station in El Agustino. “I have information that he is on duty today,” a senior official stated. “It means that if today he is on duty, yesterday he was on duty. And if he was on duty, he abandoned his duty to go see his girlfriend.” The official added that it remains unclear whether the officer was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
No Institutional Defense for Accused Officer
The National Police Ombudsman has firmly stated that no institutional defense will be provided to Córdova López, emphasizing that his actions are entirely separate from his duties as a police officer. “He has to be arrested, go to jail and pay for the crime he has committed,” the official declared, calling for swift action from the Public Ministry and the Inspector General to determine criminal responsibility and initiate the officer’s discharge.
Victim Undergoes Emergency Surgery
José Luis Campos Rojas is currently hospitalized at the Jesús del Norte clinic, where he underwent emergency surgery after being shot. His condition is listed as “reserved.”
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.
