A Chilean police officer died Thursday after more than a week in the hospital following a shooting in Puerto Varas, a city in the Los Lagos Region. The death of Sergeant Second Javier Figueroa Manquemilla underscores the risks faced by law enforcement in the South American nation.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed Figueroa Manquemilla’s death in a social media post shortly after midnight on Thursday. “The Regional Prosecutor’s Office of Los Lagos, on behalf of all its officials, employees and prosecutors, extends its deepest condolences to Carabineros de Chile, to his colleagues and to the family of Sergeant Second Javier Figueroa Manquemilla (QEPD), who has died after remaining seriously ill in the hospital of Puerto Montt, after receiving a gunshot while carrying out a police check in the commune of Puerto Varas,” the statement read.
“His departure mourns not only his institution, but also the community he served with commitment and vocation,” another statement added.
Figueroa Manquemilla was declared brain dead on March 11, after being shot in the head during a check on a group of people drinking alcohol near a railway line.
No arrests made in fatal shooting of police officer in Puerto Varas
Investigators have recovered three shell casings at the scene, including the bullet that struck the officer. Reports indicate the firearm was discharged at close range, according to local media.
Currently, there are no publicly known leads regarding the suspects in the shooting, who authorities believe were three men and one woman consuming alcohol in the area.
The Investigative Police (PDI) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office are continuing to investigate the incident. The investigation remains confidential, according to reports.
