Carabineros arrested two members of the criminal gang "Las Gárgolas" in the San Joaquín district this Tuesday, following a series of robberies involving intimidation on RED system buses, according to latercera.com.
The arrest took place at the intersection of Santa Rosa Avenue and Alcalde Pedro Alarcón Street. Officers from the 42nd Precinct, working alongside Radio Patrol and San Joaquín units, were conducting preventive checks in the area when the suspects were intercepted.
The operation was triggered after the criminals boarded a 209 bus. According to reports, one individual blocked the vehicle's doors from closing to prevent passengers from escaping, while his accomplice proceeded to rob them of their belongings.
Weapons and criminal records
Following the robbery, the driver and passengers alerted nearby Carabineros patrols. The rapid response led to the arrest of both suspects and the recovery of stolen cell phones.
During the procedure, officers seized a pistol and two knives used by the criminals to intimidate victims. The suspects' criminal records reveal a high level of danger and a pattern of recidivism.
Major Óscar Llantén of the San Joaquín Carabineros highlighted the importance of the coordinated effort between police units. “The coordinated work between both units has allowed us to detain these two criminals, who together have 20 prior offenses for similar crimes,” the officer stated.
The police official added that the suspects have previous records for crimes including robbery with intimidation, possession of a bladed weapon, theft, and receiving stolen vehicles. The detainees and the seized evidence have been handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office for formal charges.
