High-Risk Inmates Recaptured in Copiapó After Week-Long Manhunt
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Three inmates who escaped from the Valparaíso Penitentiary Compliance Center over a week ago were apprehended early Saturday morning in Copiapó, Chile. The capture concludes a large-scale operation involving the Public Ministry and the Carabineros’ specialized Os9 unit.
SEVASTERNS/ETOW CHILE
Details of the Arrest
According to Valparaíso Chief Prosecutor Elizardo Tapia, the arrests took place at 1:20 AM at Total Plaza El Totoral in the commune of Copiapó. Those apprehended were identified as Claudio Fornes Vicuña, Juan González Quezada, and Jairo González Miranda. “Today at 1:20 am in Total Plaza El Totoral in the commune of Copiapó there was the arrest of Don claudio Fornes Vicuña, Juan González Quezada and Jairo González Miranda,” Tapia stated. ”These are the three individuals who escaped on August 14 from the Valparaíso Penitentiary Compliance Center.”
The escape and Subsequent Investigation
the inmates’ escape on August 14th was remarkably audacious. They breached their cells by cutting through the bars and utilized a makeshift zip line-constructed from materials attached to the module’s roof and a waiting vehicle-to descend outside the prison walls. The three were held in a specialized high-security module designated for inmates with a high criminal commitment
, as described by Gendarmerie officials.
the fugitives’ backgrounds reveal a history of violent crime. Juan González Quezada was serving a life sentence for the 2022 homicide of Major Non-Commissioned Officer David Florido. Jairo González Miranda also faced a life sentence, convicted in 2019 for the murder of photographer Albertina Martínez. Claudio Fornes Vicuña was serving a three-year and one-day sentence for drug trafficking and was additionally facing charges related to robbery resulting in homicide.
Investigative Efforts Leading to Capture
Following the escape, a comprehensive investigation was launched by the Prosecutor’s Office and Carabineros. This included analysis of biological evidence recovered from the vehicle abandoned near the prison, and also the interception of communications linked to the fugitives. Authorities also conducted searches of relatives’ properties and implemented increased vehicular controls. As reported by La Tercera, these investigative procedures proved crucial in narrowing the search area and ultimately leading to the arrests. The Prosecutor’s Office focused on tracing the inmates’ family networks, believing they provided support during their time on the run.
The recapture of these three inmates represents a significant victory for Chilean law enforcement and underscores the commitment to maintaining public safety. Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding their escape and any potential accomplices are expected to be released as the investigation continues.