Three police officers jailed over death during pursuit in Bolivia

Three police officers in Bolivia's Potosí region have been placed in pre-trial detention for five months as an investigation into a man's death proceeds. The victim, identified by the initials S. Q. B., was 44 years old and allegedly died from a gunshot wound during a police pursuit on the Tupiza–Cotagaita highway.

The Potosí Departmental Prosecutor's Office has opened a homicide investigation against the officers. Initial evidence suggests that one of the shots fired during the operation to stop a fleeing minivan struck the victim, causing his death. The precautionary measure was ordered after the Public Ministry presented evidence supporting the officers' preliminary involvement.

The incident occurred early Friday when officers attempted to stop a white Toyota Noah minivan during a patrol in Tupiza. The driver reportedly ignored the order to stop and fled towards Cotagaita, initiating a chase. Police fired warning shots to compel the vehicle to halt. Near Llajtachimpa, officers set up a roadblock, but the minivan allegedly continued at high speed, breaching the barrier, which led to further shots being fired.

The pursuit concluded near Cotagaitilla, where officers intercepted the minivan and reportedly fired a shot at one of its tires to immobilize it. Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers found five occupants and several beer cans, initially suggesting the driver might have been intoxicated. However, the discovery of S. Q. B., unconscious and without vital signs inside the vehicle, shifted the focus to a fatal outcome during the police operation. The Homicide Division is collecting evidence to determine the exact sequence of events.