Journalist Mónica Rincón targeted in armed carjacking in Santiago

CNN Chile anchor Mónica Rincón was the victim of a violent armed carjacking, known locally as an ‘encerrona’, in Santiago late Monday night. The incident occurred near the intersection of Autopista Central and Costanera Norte as Rincón was driving home from work.

According to Prosecutor Felipe Olivari of the Fiscalía Metropolitana Centro Norte, between two and four armed individuals used a vehicle to block Rincón’s path. The suspects, armed with pistols, forced her out of her Volvo XC60 and fired shots into the air to intimidate her before fleeing in her vehicle.

A colleague driving behind her witnessed the event and provided immediate assistance, transporting Rincón to a police station to file a report. While the assault was violent, Rincón was not physically injured.

Carabineros later located Rincón’s vehicle abandoned in the Maipú district. Specialized police units are currently conducting investigations, including DNA and fingerprint analysis, to identify the suspects. No arrests have been made at this time.