Honduran police officer killed in armed attack

A violent armed attack on a highway connecting the municipalities of Gracias and San Juan in the Intibucá department of Honduras resulted in the deaths of two men on Friday night. One of the victims was identified as 26-year-old José Armando Pinto, an active member of the National Police from Las Flores, Lempira. At the time of the incident, Pinto was on leave and attending a course at the National Police University of Honduras to qualify for a higher rank.

The victims were traveling in a gray Prado-type SUV when they were targeted by multiple gunshots. Following the attack, the vehicle lost control, struck an electrical pole, and came to a stop on the side of the road. Emergency responders confirmed that both occupants, including Pinto, had died at the scene. The identity of the second victim has not yet been officially released.

The Direction of Police Investigations (DPI) has cordoned off the area to collect ballistic evidence and conduct technical-scientific procedures. While investigators are working to establish a motive, preliminary reports suggest the occupants may have been pursued prior to the shooting. Authorities have launched operations in the region to locate those responsible for the double homicide.