Gang Shootout in Argentina Leads to Arrests, Seizure of Weapon Kits

A violent confrontation between rival gangs in San Martín, Argentina, led to a police chase and shootout, resulting in the arrest of three young men. The incident began when police patrolling the Villa La Catanga area observed three individuals fleeing on foot. When ordered to stop, the suspects opened fire on the officers, initiating a pursuit.

During the chase, one 16-year-old suspect was apprehended with a loaded ammunition magazine. The pursuit continued, with additional officers joining the operation. The remaining two suspects fled into a shantytown neighborhood, where another exchange of gunfire occurred. Police eventually detained the two 23-year-old men. One sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, while the other was injured in the hand, left elbow, and neck.

Both injured suspects were taken to Hospital Castex and are currently detained. Investigators believe their wounds were inflicted during prior clashes between gangs from La Catanga and Villa Tranquila, not by police fire. A search of one of the detainees' homes uncovered three "roni" kits, which convert pistols into submachine gun-like weapons, a 9mm Bersa pistol, magazines with over 50 rounds, and two homemade firearms.

Background checks revealed that the minor had a prior record for simple robbery and drug possession from January 2025. One of the older detainees had previous charges related to drugs, concealment, and illicit investigation between 2020 and 2022. The case is now under the jurisdiction of San Martín's prosecutor Melisa Di Giorgio and Juvenile Court Judge Andrea Campos.