Shootout between criminal groups leaves elderly woman injured in San Miguelito

An elderly woman, believed to be at least 80 years old, sustained injuries during a violent shootout between criminal groups in Panama's San Miguelito district on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. when an apparent confrontation between rival gangs erupted, resulting in the woman being struck by stray bullets.

She was promptly transported to a hospital in Panama City, where initial reports indicate her condition is stable. Following the shooting, National Police and Judicial Investigation Directorate (DIJ) agents swiftly arrived at the scene. They cordoned off the area to gather evidence and began efforts to identify those responsible for the gunfire.

In response to the escalating violence, security forces have deployed additional operations and established checkpoints across various sectors of San Miguelito. This heightened security presence comes as a curfew remains in effect for four districts within San Miguelito: Belisario Frías, Belisario Porras, Arnulfo Arias, and Omar Torrijos. The curfew hours vary, running from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on weekdays and extending from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on weekends.

Authorities are continuing their investigations to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the shootout and to apprehend the perpetrators. San Miguelito has been grappling with a high rate of violence, with official data showing 75 homicides recorded so far in 2026, an increase from the 68 recorded during the same period in 2025.