Ecuador police stop kidnapping, detain five suspects in El Cebollar

On 22 June 2026, the National Police in Azuay Province announced the arrest of five men and the isolation of a sixth person after an attempted kidnapping in the María Auxiliadora neighbourhood of Cuenca. The suspects, travelling in a white van, tried to seize a 15‑year‑old boy; the child escaped but his father suffered a serious head injury that required hospitalization.

Police commander Danilo Barriga said the operation prevented a likely murder, noting that the perpetrators intended to “victimize” the victim. After a chase, the van crashed near the church of El Cebollar, where the suspects fled on foot, threatening officers with firearms. One attacker was injured in the ensuing clash. All five detained adults have prior records for weapons possession, drug trafficking and other crimes.