TRUJILLO, PERU – JANUARY 6, 2025 Shocking incident occurred in the El Porvenir district of Trujillo, Peru, where an off-duty police officer shot a man in the head. The victim, Andrés Cueva Collantes, 32, worked as a porter at the local market and occasionally collected parking fees on public streets.
Witnesses reported a brief argument between Cueva and the officer, identified as non-commissioned officer Ricardo Jiménez Castro, over a parking fee. Without warning, Jiménez drew his firearm and shot Cueva at point-blank range before fleeing the scene.
Cueva was rushed to Víctor Lazarte Hospital and later transferred to the Regional Teaching Hospital, where he remains in critical condition with severe brain injuries. The local community has organized fundraisers to cover his medical expenses and is calling for blood donations.
A search of Jiménez’s residence revealed explosives and drugs, raising suspicions about his possible involvement with criminal groups. The Ministry of the Interior announced that Jiménez would be dismissed from the police force and face charges of attempted murder. Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez condemned the excessive and illegal use of firearms, emphasizing that justice must be served.
This incident has intensified public scrutiny of the Peruvian police force, which is already under fire for allegations of corruption and abuse of power. A recently enacted law preventing preemptive detention of police officers for firearm use in the line of duty has sparked concerns about potential impunity in cases of police violence.
The community of El Porvenir is shaken, with residents expressing fears for their safety as the suspect remains at large. Authorities are under pressure to capture Jiménez promptly and ensure justice for the victim and his family.