The Minister of the Interior, Carolina Tohá, and the undersecretary of the portfolio, Luis Cordero, They were absent from a program where the Carabineros 0S7 would announce the successful results of Tuesday’s raids in the commune of La Pintana against the “God of War” gang.
Of the 11 detainees, four attempted to escape, one succeeded and the leader of the group was recaptured with a gunshot.
LThe press schedule was set for 7:30 a.m. in Department OS7, located in the commune of Providencia. It was at 6:54 a.m. that the portfolio’s communications team reported: “The minister will not attend the activity.”
He General Director of Carabineros, Marcelo Araya, was consulted about the absence of the Secretary of State and responded that “it is not my responsibility to account for that.”. He stressed that “this is a work that we are permanently developing with the Minister of the Interior,” alluding to the result of the police operation.
He indicated that The escape was partial and the recapture of three detainees, including the injured man, “reveals the danger of these individuals.”
Regarding the escapee, he noted that “Our specialized services and our territorial units are looking for it.” He added that “if necessary, an investigation is also required to clarify the administrative and disciplinary situation.”
For his part, the Southern metropolitan prosecutor, Héctor Barros, expressed thatand “a series of defendants who were causing violence and injuries and homicides recently in La Pintana have been removed from circulation.”
As for the fugitive, he assured that “he is not an important member of the organization, but rather he is among the links in the custody and distribution of drugs in smaller quantities.”
The escape occurred in the early hours of this Wednesday at the police station where the defendants are awaiting their detention check scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday. One of the subjects asked to go to the bathroom and when the police officer opened the cell gate, they attacked him.
Four detainees began to run through the unit and under these circumstances the leader of the gang, Bryan Rojas, was shot and stopped his attempt. He was hospitalized. Two others were captured without being shot, while Alexander Palomino He managed to escape.
Bryan Rojas is the nephew of Vaster Miller Guajardo, better known as the “God of War,” who was shot to death on September 10. After Miller’s death, Rojas assumed leadership of the criminal gang. He was arrested in his hideout in San Bernardo, from where he directed traffic in La Pintana.
Time.news Interview: Combatting Gang Violence in Chile
Host: Good morning, everyone! Welcome to another episode of Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Sofia Martinez, an expert in public safety and criminology, to discuss recent developments in gang violence in Chile, particularly focusing on the recent operation against the notorious “God of War” gang. Welcome, Dr. Martinez!
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Host: Let’s dive right into it. Just yesterday, we heard about a significant police operation in La Pintana, which resulted in the capture of 11 gang members. However, notable figures like Minister of the Interior Carolina Tohá and Undersecretary Luis Cordero were absent from the press conference announcing these results. What’s your take on this situation?
Dr. Martinez: Well, the absence of high-profile officials at such an important announcement raises several questions. While operations like this one are crucial and showcase the effort of law enforcement, the lack of political presence can lead to perceptions of negligence or a disconnection between the government and the ongoing issues of gang violence. It’s vital for leadership to be visibly engaged in public safety matters.
Host: You mentioned perceptions. How does the reaction of the public to these police operations impact the overall effectiveness of such initiatives?
Dr. Martinez: Public perception plays a significant role in the effectiveness of policing strategies. If the community feels that the police are taking substantial steps to combat gangs and address violence, it can enhance community cooperation and trust in law enforcement. However, if there’s skepticism—perhaps due to a lack of accountability or transparency—it can hinder relationships and even lead to communities feeling marginalized.
Host: That’s an interesting angle. Speaking of community trust, General Director of Carabineros Marcelo Araya emphasized ongoing cooperation with the Minister of the Interior despite the absence. Do you think this week’s operation will be positively viewed in the light of their cooperation?
Dr. Martinez: Partially, yes. The successful arrests can be seen as a testament to good teamwork within the police force. However, consistent communication and accountability from top officials, like Minister Tohá, are crucial for fostering public trust. If deputy members take the lead without clear leadership from the top, it could lead to confusion about who is truly responsible for maintaining safety. It creates a challenge when it’s time for the government to showcase results.
Host: In your opinion, what steps should the Chilean government take moving forward to address these issues effectively?
Dr. Martinez: The government must prioritize a comprehensive approach. This includes not only strong law enforcement but also addressing the root causes of gang violence—poverty, lack of education, and social disenfranchisement. Initiatives such as community programs, better job opportunities, and educational reforms can complement police efforts. Also, regular communication from the government regarding strategies and results can bridge the gap between citizens and officials.
Host: One of the concerning aspects that arose during the raid was the attempted escape of detainees, with one successfully fleeing. General Araya mentioned that specialized units are searching. How can authorities prevent these types of escapes in the future?
Dr. Martinez: Enhancing security measures at detention facilities is paramount. This may involve better surveillance systems, trained personnel to handle high-risk detainees, and even re-evaluating the protocols surrounding transfer and processing of gang members. Moreover, investing in technology can aid in tracking escapees more effectively, making it easier for law enforcement to act quickly.
Host: Thank you, Dr. Martinez! It’s clear that fight against gang violence is not just about law enforcement, but a multi-faceted approach that includes community involvement and government transparency. We appreciate your insights on this pressing issue.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me! It’s an ongoing challenge, but with the right strategies, change is possible.
Host: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay safe and informed, and we’ll see you next time on Time.news!