Man Killed by Single Punch in Pucallpa, Peru; Suspect Gabriel Salazar Detained

A dispute on July 29, 2026 in Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru turned deadly when Gabriel Salazar Guzmán, a Venezuelan national, delivered a forceful punch to the face of 35‑year‑old motor‑taxi driver John Arnold Rivera. The blow caused Rivera to fall backward and strike his head on the pavement, resulting in immediate death. Rivera's father attempted to intervene and was also struck, briefly losing consciousness.

Security‑camera footage of the incident spread widely on social media, prompting public outrage. The Peruvian National Police located and arrested Salazar near the scene; he claimed he acted in self‑defence. He has been placed under the custody of the Public Ministry while investigations continue.