Police officer killed in ambush during patrol in Santiago suburb, Chile

A Chilean Carabineros officer was fatally shot Sunday during a routine identity check in the Lo Espejo commune on the southern outskirts of Santiago, authorities confirmed.

Cabo Segundo Cristopher Andrés Aguilera Fernández, 30, a member of the 42nd Radiopatrullas police station and father of a nine-month-old child, died late Sunday night at Clínica Las Condes. He had been airlifted there after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head.

According to investigators, the incident occurred around 4:00–4:30 p.m. in the Las Dunas neighborhood (Pasaje Guadalajara area). Officers on foot patrol approached a group of approximately seven people for identity checks. One of the individuals, a Venezuelan national reported to be in an irregular migratory situation and with prior arrests including for carrying a bladed weapon, suddenly pulled a handgun equipped with an extended magazine from his clothing and opened fire, discharging roughly 20 rounds.

Aguilera was struck in the head. His partner returned fire with his service weapon, fatally wounding the attacker at the scene. Ballistic evidence recovered at the location is under examination by forensic teams from the Fiscalía and Carabineros’ Labocar unit.

Carabineros de Chile issued an official statement expressing “profound sorrow” over the death of the officer, whom they described as having been “cowardly murdered” while performing his duties. The institution extended condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

General Subdirector Enrique Monrás called Aguilera “a new martyr of Carabineros,” noting that he was “a Chilean, a father, a son and a brother who went out every day to fulfill his mission of protecting citizens.”

The Fiscalía Metropolitana Sur is leading the investigation into the circumstances of the attack and the attacker’s background and migratory status. No other individuals have been detained in connection with the shooting at this stage.

Aguilera is the latest Carabineros officer killed in the line of duty in 2026.