Global Courant
Two men are accused of having committed an assault in zone 1, pointing firearms at two crew members of a vehicle that was driving between 4a. and 5a. avenue in zone 1 of the capital, according to a complaint filed with the Public Ministry (MP), to which Prensa Libre had access.
The complaint describes how the robbery occurred while the driver was waiting for the traffic light to change. The two subjects positioned themselves, each one on the sides of the vehicle, trying to break the windows with the grips of their pistols.
“Since they failed to break the windows, the two criminals pointed their guns at us and placed their pistols at the level of our heads and shouted that if we gave them our cell phones they would kill us,” the complaint reads.
Failing to do so, they then pointed their weapons at them, threatening to shoot them. One of them even forced one of the doors, accessed the vehicle and placed the weapon against the driver’s body. “He told him to give him the phones or they would kill us,” the text says.
Both crew members handed over their cell phones and then observed the two alleged robbers fleeing the scene, walking.
The complaint is recent and adds to reports of other alleged robberies published on social networks recorded in videos that would show a similar modus operandi.
The images show stopped traffic and two men walking on the sidewalk, one of them wearing a sweatshirt that covers his head. The two approach a white vehicle and commit the robbery. They then disperse as the line of carts advances.
investigate
The spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior (Mingob), Jorge Aguilar Chinchilla, reported that the institution is aware of these complaints and the National Civil Police (PNC) is investigating a group that could be behind this series of assaults, although he emphasized that investigate the facts.
“It is presumed that it is a single group of assailants who is bothering the citizens in the same sector of zone 1. Apparently they use toy guns and change their clothes in each assault,” Chinchilla described.
According to the spokesperson, there is already evidence and data has been crossed to find those responsible, although so far there have been no arrests.
“It is possible that they even live in the same area as zone 1,” added the spokesman, who said that no further details could be provided so as not to hinder the investigations.
A friend shared this video of an assault in zone 1… pic.twitter.com/DGJmY6g1aF
— @TácticaYSeguridadGT® (@tacticayseggt) June 6, 2023
#AlertGT | ASSAULTS IN #ZONE 1
Two subjects were captured when they assaulted the driver of a vehicle while he was waiting in the #TrafficGT between 3rd and 4th street next to the Red Cross zone 1.
What’s up? pic.twitter.com/k1ZSYGXOr2
– Atlantic News (@Noti_Atlantico) June 7, 2023
Another of the videos circulated on June 5 and shows another group of people attacking a man.
According to the PNC, it is also aware of this other case and is trying to establish whether there are links between one case and another.
This is how they assault and beat a pedestrian on 15th street, between 1st. and 2nd. avenues of zone 1 of Guatemala City. pic.twitter.com/Tnm0816ANb
– InfoGT_Noticias (@infogt_noticias) June 5, 2023
Assaults in zone 1 and 10
Reports of armed robberies have become recurring in zones 1 and 10 of the capital since the end of 2022.
On May 18, it was reported that another driver was shot on Reforma Avenue when his motorcycle was stolen.
In this sector, according to the spokesman for the Interior, fixed surveillance posts have been installed to reduce the incidence of crimes.
Previous complaint
In December 2022, another driver recounted how a group of armed men stripped him of his belongings in front of the Guardia de Honor in zone 10 of the capital.
Although she filed the complaint with the MP that same day, the victim indicated that until June 9, 2023, she had not received any follow-up message. The prosecutor’s office was consulted about that report, but no response was obtained.
Also read: Armed and with tactical vests: the alert about a group of men who assault pilots in zone 10
