Video: 'La Vaca' chase ends fatally amid Costanera race

A high-speed police chase through Asunción's Costanera Sur on Sunday culminated in the capture of José Gabriel Leguizamón Díaz, known as "La Vaca," a prolific criminal with 13 outstanding arrest warrants. The dramatic pursuit unfolded amidst a 5-kilometer race organized by the Paraguayan Nursing Association, putting hundreds of runners, organizers, and spectators in grave danger.

Aerial footage captured by a drone from the Paraguayan Nursing Association showed Leguizamón Díaz's vehicle speeding erratically through the crowded event. The car weaved dangerously close to participants, creating a chaotic and perilous scene. Police officers, faced with the suspect's reckless driving and disregard for public safety, resorted to firing shots at the vehicle's tires in an attempt to bring the chase to an end.

Authorities reported that Leguizamón Díaz was "running over everything in his path," posing a significant threat to both law enforcement and civilians. The chase intensified as the suspect's vehicle careened through the popular public space, a common weekend gathering spot in the capital. The drone footage inadvertently documented one of the most striking police operations in recent memory along the Costanera.

Tragically, a woman identified as Guadalupe Yamile Simón Pérez, who was inside the vehicle with Leguizamón Díaz, sustained injuries during the incident and later died. Police confirmed that Leguizamón Díaz faced numerous charges, including homicide, among the 13 warrants for his arrest. The incident highlights the extreme risks associated with apprehending dangerous fugitives in densely populated areas.