1 person killed in a gun attack by armed suspects in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

A man was shot and killed on Monday afternoon, September 28, 2026, in the Pampa de la Isla neighborhood in eastern Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. The incident marks the second fatal firearm attack reported in the city that day within a short period.

The shooting occurred around 1:20–1:38 p.m. between the sixth and seventh rings of Avenida Virgen de Cotoca. According to preliminary reports and security camera footage, the victim and another individual arrived at the location on a motorcycle. After stopping and engaging in a brief argument, one of them opened fire on the other and fled the scene.

Neighbors heard the gunshots and went outside to investigate. The victim, whose identity has not yet been publicly confirmed in available reports, died at the scene on the public roadway from the gunshot wound(s), including at least one to the head according to some accounts. Police and emergency personnel responded promptly, secured the area, and began collecting evidence and witness statements.

Prosecutor Yolanda Aguilera confirmed that the body was examined at the scene and transferred for a forensic autopsy to determine the precise cause of death. Authorities from the Special Force to Combat Crime (FELCC) are investigating the circumstances, motive, and the identity and whereabouts of the suspected perpetrator.

This killing followed another armed attack earlier the same day near Avenida Mutualista and the second ring, in which a man identified as Cristian Bowles Antelo (known as “Caracha”) was shot multiple times while in a vehicle and died; a woman accompanying him was wounded. Both cases are being investigated as possible murders.

Local media, including La Razón, Unitel, El Deber, and others, reported the events, noting the violence occurring in broad daylight and the ongoing police efforts to identify those responsible.