Suspected gang members arrested in Peru for shooting at bus

Peruvian police have arrested five alleged members of a criminal gang accused of extorting and carrying out contract killings against public transport companies operating in Lima Sur. According to police information, the detainees are reportedly linked to an armed attack on a Nueva América bus on August 23 and other assaults against companies in the sector.

The operation, led by agents from the Anti-Extortion Investigation Division (Divinext) of Dirincri, began around 4 p.m. on Monday, August 24. It was based on intelligence gathered from a confidential extortion complaint. Agents intervened at various locations in the Villa El Salvador district, apprehending Erick Rebaza Guillén, Anali Barraza Chuquimajo, Jhonatan Meza Reyes, and Jaron Angulo Naranjo. Cristofer Francia Zacata was arrested separately by personnel from Depincri VES.

Police suspect the detainees are part of a criminal organization targeting public transport companies with routes through Villa El Salvador, Villa María del Triunfo, and San Juan de Miraflores. During the arrests, officers confiscated two pistols, a PB 9mm compact and a Browning, both with loaded magazines. They also found ammunition of various calibers, S/ 1,200 in cash, and six cell phones. Investigators are examining whether the seized weapons were used in the attacks against transport companies in Lima Sur and if the cell phones contain information related to the alleged extortion activities.

The arrested individuals are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the armed attack on August 23, when a motorcyclist reportedly fired at a Nueva América bus as it traveled through the San Juan de Miraflores district. The bus driver sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken to a health facility. Police are also working to establish the group's participation in other attacks targeting public transport operators in Lima Sur. The operation is ongoing, and police stated they will continue to provide updates on the investigation's progress.