BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA, 2025 Incident occurred at the intersection of Boyacá Avenue and 53rd Street. A man broke a car window and attempted to steal from it. However, several witnesses saw him and intervened, detaining him. Before the police arrived, he was severely beaten by the bystanders, including kicks to the head.
Although citizen detention of a thief is completely lawful, the beating goes beyond the limits of the law. Not only does it violate the human rights that even a thief has, but all participants expose themselves to criminal liability. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, never take justice into your own hands and trust the state judicial system.
