# Violent crime surge in South America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/violent-crime-surge-in-south-america
> Updated: 2026-09-13T11:18:28.000Z. Sources: 35. Developments: 3.

Reports from South America indicate a surge in violent criminal activity, including armed robberies, shootings, and physical assaults across Chile, Peru, and Argentina.

In Chile, incidents have included a shooting during a wedding celebration in Estación Central and a fatal attack in the Loncura sector of Quintero. In the latter, unidentified individuals opened fire on a vehicle on Route F, leaving a 20-year-old man dead and a 22-year-old wounded. The Investigations Police (PDI) and the Valparaíso Prosecutor's Office are investigating the attack.

Argentina has experienced various violent encounters. In Virrey del Pino, La Matanza, a 52-year-old Federal Police sergeant killed an 18-year-old assailant during an attempted robbery after a suspect fired at a gate. In other regions, violence has taken several forms: a 13-year-old girl in Mar del Plata is in critical condition following a suspected accidental shooting involving a firearm handled by her and a 16-year-old boyfriend; an 83-year-old woman in Necochea was robbed at gunpoint in her home.

Additional reports from Argentina include a stabbing in Neuquén where a 20-year-old woman was investigated after allegedly stabbing her 27-year-old partner in the neck following a dispute. Other incidents involve domestic violence and physical assault, including a woman in Catamarca hospitalized after a brutal assault, a 24-year-old in Lastenia suffering burns during an attack by a partner, and an ambush in Corrientes where a man was arrested for luring a partner’s lover into a shooting and stabbing using a mobile phone.

In Peru, reports included a confrontation in San Martín de Porres where a resident defended themselves against an armed thief during daylight hours.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Violent shootings in Argentina and Chile leave victims dead and wounded

Separate violent incidents in Argentina and Chile resulted in fatalities and injuries following shootings involving armed groups and vehicles.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/violent-shootings-in-argentina-and-chile-leave-victims-dead-and-wounded

### 2026-09-12: Argentina reports surge in domestic violence and violent crime incidents

Argentina reports multiple violent incidents, including a 13-year-old girl critically injured by a gunshot in Mar del Plata and various cases of domestic violence and fatal assaults across several provinces.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/victoria-cantero-ordered-to-receive-psychiatric-treatment-in-chaco-homicide-case

### 2026-09-10: South American regions report surge in violent crime and armed robberies

Multiple violent crimes, including armed robberies, shootings, and home invasions, have been reported in Chile, Peru, and Argentina.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/violent-armed-home-invasions-reported-in-mendoza-and-city-bell

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Cite as: Violent crime surge in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/violent-crime-surge-in-south-america