Man with nine prior convictions arrested for attempted store break-in in Asunción

Police in Asunción apprehended a 38-year-old man in the act of attempting to forcibly enter a commercial establishment in the city's downtown area. The suspect, identified as Ismael Martínez, has an extensive criminal record, including convictions for homicide, robbery, and aggravated theft.

Agents from the 3rd Metropolitan Police Station observed Martínez using a piece of wood to pry open the metal shutter of the store on Mexico and Herrera streets around 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday. As the opening widened, a neighbor attempted to intervene, but the suspect reacted aggressively, prompting the police to subdue and arrest him.

“

the suspect was caught in the flagrant commission of attempted theft.

The owner of the establishment, Laura Caje y Medina, told investigators that the same store was robbed approximately seven months ago. She expressed suspicion that Martínez might be involved in that incident as well, noting that he frequently loitered in front of the business. However, any connection to the previous robbery will be determined during the ongoing fiscal investigation.

Martínez's criminal history, according to police reports, includes charges for intentional homicide in 2004, robbery in 2006, attempted intentional homicide, aggravated theft, and resistance. He also faces multiple charges for aggravated theft committed between 2022 and 2025. Despite his arrest, Martínez has denied the current charges, but police maintain he was caught in the "flagrant commission" of attempted theft.

“

there exists the suspicion that the detainee could be linked with that fact, since, according to what she told the agents, he used to loiter frequently in front of the business both day and night.