Kidnapper Kills Himself as Police Close In; Accomplices Caught

A swift police operation in Lima thwarted a kidnapping and led to the capture of two alleged gang members, while a third suspect died by suicide to avoid arrest. The incident unfolded in Ate, where three criminals were surprised after abducting a Colombian citizen who works in the money lending business.

As the perpetrators attempted to flee with their victim, police intervened. In a dramatic turn of events, one of the kidnappers shot himself in the head, reportedly saying, "Dead before going back to jail." This act occurred moments before his two accomplices were apprehended.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Israel José Rodríguez Palacios, 29, known as 'Chato,' and Saúl Bernal Campos, 23, known as 'Negro.' Police report they are part of the criminal gang 'Los malditos del pepeo.' Rodríguez Palacios has a criminal record dating back to 2024 for property crimes.

According to police General Víctor Revoredo, head of the Criminal Investigation Directorate, the victim, José Armando Villada Castañeda, 29, was kidnapped from El Agustino. The suspects used a Toyota vehicle, license plate BPF-092, in the crime. The operation, involving the Anti-Kidnapping Division, successfully located the vehicle on the Panamericana Sur highway, leading to the intervention and the victim's rescue.