Carabiniere shot in Los Ríos critically injured, cannot be transferred to Santiago

A police officer in Chile's Los Ríos region is fighting for his life after being shot in the face during an operation to capture a suspect involved in the recent murder of another officer. The incident occurred in the rural sector of Punucapa as officers attempted to arrest Carlos Cancino Tapia, known as "El Rana," one of the final individuals sought in connection with the death of Carabiniere Naín.

According to Temuco prosecutor Carlos Bustos, the suspect resisted arrest and was armed with a revolver. He fired multiple shots at the officers, hitting two. One officer was wounded in the abdomen, while the other sustained a severe facial injury. The suspect was apprehended and taken to the Valdivia Local Hospital.

General Director of Carabineros, Marcelo Araya, visited the injured officer at the Valdivia Base Hospital. He confirmed the officer, identified as First Corporal Marco Cosme, is in critical condition. "I ask all the people who have called and expressed their condolences, to continue praying and asking for the health of First Corporal Cosme," Araya stated, adding that all evidence would be provided to the Public Ministry.

Dr. Vicente Schild from the hospital reported that Cosme underwent emergency neurosurgery and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit. He required multiple blood transfusions for stabilization and remains in critical condition, making him unfit for transfer to Santiago at this time. The second officer, injured in the abdomen, is reported to be stable and expected to be released soon.

Political figures have reacted strongly to the attack. Sebastián Kast condemned the incident, stating, "This is absolutely unacceptable." He emphasized that targeting police officers, especially those linked to criminal organizations, requires a direct confrontation within legal boundaries. Kast stressed that those who aided the criminal must also be pursued, referencing the recent death of Sub-officer Naín and the current critical state of Corporal Cosme.