Drug Suspect Arrested After Chase, Crash; Accomplice Dies in Argentina

A man identified as Lucas Iturrez, a suspect in a drug-related homicide and domestic violence case, was apprehended in La Matanza, Argentina, following a high-speed police chase that ended in a car crash. His accomplice, Fernando Velázquez, died at the scene.

Iturrez, 22, was sought for the killing of a neighbor who had confronted him about drug dealing in their neighborhood. Just five days prior, his partner had reported him to the police for death threats, leading a judge to issue a restraining order.

“

Iturrez and Velázquez were, as known in drug slang, 'hitmen' or 'little soldiers.' They were in charge of drug sales points in the Nicol and Esperanza neighborhoods in La Matanza, where clashes between drug gangs over territorial control have intensified.

The pursuit began when detectives spotted Iturrez and Velázquez, 19, in a stolen Chevrolet Corsa. The suspects ignored police commands to stop, leading to a shootout and a chase. The vehicle eventually lost control and overturned.

Iturrez sustained a gunshot wound to his leg and was taken to a local hospital, reportedly out of danger. Velázquez died at the scene, with investigators suggesting he may have committed suicide before being captured. Police recovered a firearm near his body. Both men were allegedly involved in managing drug sales points in the La Matanza area, a region experiencing increased gang violence over territory control.

“

Everything indicates that he committed suicide before being arrested by the police. When handcuffed, Iturrez even managed to say that his partner had said that before being caught by the police, he preferred to kill himself.