El Palomar shooting: Retired police officer wounded near school

A retired Buenos Aires provincial police inspector, Hernán Mariano Catarraso, was shot and wounded during an attempted robbery in El Palomar, Morón, while dropping his daughter off at Colegio Emaús. The incident occurred near the school entrance during morning drop-off hours. Witnesses reported that armed criminals in multiple vehicles intercepted the victim, who identified himself as a police officer, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Catarraso sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was treated by neighbors before being transported to Hospital Posadas, where he is reported to be out of danger.

The shooting has sparked significant local unrest, with residents protesting in front of the home of Morón Mayor Lucas Ghi to demand increased security. Neighbors expressed fear, describing the area as a “zona liberada” (lawless zone) and noting that criminal activity near schools has become frequent. Protesters highlighted a perceived lack of police resources, claiming there are only two patrol cars serving the entire locality of El Palomar.