Lima police capture suspect in armed robbery at La Merced church

In the early hours of Monday, an armed group burst into the historic Nuestra Señora de La Merced church in the Jirón de la Unión area of Lima and intercepted a 65‑year‑old money changer who had just withdrawn roughly 52,000 soles. The assailants opened fire, wounding the victim’s arm and stealing his bag of cash.

Police identified and apprehended one of the four perpetrators, 30‑year‑old Walter Trujillo, who had attempted to disguise himself as health‑care staff. Surveillance footage from the Lima municipality allowed officers to locate him near the intersection of Av. Emancipación and Caylloma, where he was seized and his firearm and ammunition confiscated.

Authorities say Trujillo is linked to the criminal gang “Los Malditos Fierreros”, which has previously targeted currency exchangers in the city. The three remaining suspects are still at large, and investigations continue to determine the full extent of the gang’s involvement.