Car Dealership Attacked with Gunfire, Vehicles Torched in Guayaquil

A car dealership in the Kennedy Norte area of Guayaquil, Ecuador, was targeted in a violent attack early Friday morning, August 14, 2026. Armed individuals reportedly opened fire on the establishment before setting at least three vehicles on fire, an act preliminary investigations suggest was linked to extortion.

According to information gathered by the police, the perpetrators arrived at the dealership located at the intersection of Miguel H. Alcivar and Miguel Neira streets. After firing shots at the premises, they ignited several vehicles parked on the lot. Local residents reported hearing multiple gunshots before the fire erupted, prompting them to alert authorities. The owners of the dealership are said to have received prior threats, adding weight to the extortion motive.

The Guayaquil Fire Department responded swiftly to mitigate the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the main structure of the dealership or nearby buildings. National Police personnel were also present to secure the scene, collect ballistic evidence, and coordinate with specialized units for the ongoing investigation. Surveillance cameras from the dealership are expected to play a crucial role in identifying the suspects responsible for the attack.

While the incident caused significant damage and shock among residents, fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. By Friday morning, most of the affected vehicles had been removed, with only one remaining inside the damaged premises. Images from the scene clearly show bullet impacts on the dealership's facade, underscoring the severity of the assault.