Soldier arrested for killing three military personnel in Táchira

Authorities in Venezuela have captured Raymond Daniel Paz Salas, the soldier accused of opening fire on his colleagues at the Mayor Buenaventura Vivas Guerrero Air Base in Santo Domingo, Táchira. The arrest occurred on Friday, October 23, following a 72-hour manhunt. Paz Salas was located in a wooded area near the military installation.

During the arrest, security forces seized an AK-103 rifle, three magazines, and 89 cartridges. The shooting, which took place on the night of Tuesday, October 20, resulted in the deaths of Lieutenant Víctor Moreno, Sergeant Crismar Medina Puerta, and Sergeant Richard Espinosa Borges. Three other service members were wounded in the attack.

Táchira Governor Freddy Bernal described the incident as an “unusual” and “strange reaction.” Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack, with authorities considering whether mental health issues played a role. The suspect has been placed at the disposal of military intelligence and will face competent courts.