Police officer dies after being shot while on duty in Guayaquil, Ecuador

First Sergeant Patricio Germán Ortiz Lucio of the Ecuadorian National Police has died from wounds sustained in an armed attack while on duty, the force confirmed on Wednesday.

Ortiz was shot in the head on the afternoon of September 11, 2026, in the Cooperativa Sergio Toral sector of the Nueva Prosperina district in northwestern Guayaquil (Monte Sinaí area). He was performing preventive patrol duties when officers spotted a suspicious motorcycle with two riders and began a pursuit. During the chase, one of the suspects fired at the police vehicle; a bullet struck Ortiz in the head.

He was rushed to a medical facility in critical condition. Authorities activated “Código Plata” security protocols at the hospital, deploying additional police and military personnel. Despite medical efforts, he died four days later. The National Police commander, Pablo Vinicio Dávila Maldonado, announced the death and expressed the institution’s deepest condolences to Ortiz’s family, friends, and colleagues.

“We honor the dedication, commitment, and vocation of service of a police officer who fulfilled his duty in defense of the security of Ecuadorians,” the official statement said. “His memory will remain alive in our institution… as a symbol of honor, loyalty, and dedication to the service of the country.”

In the days after the attack, police conducted operations targeting the organized crime group “Los Fatales” and detained 11 alleged members. Authorities seized ammunition, magazines, a recovered motorcycle, and other items. However, officials have stated that the person who fired the shot that wounded Ortiz has not yet been identified or captured. Police released images of two men on a motorcycle believed to be involved and activated a reward program for information leading to their arrest.

The incident occurred amid ongoing high levels of violence in parts of Guayaquil and other regions. Ecuador’s government has maintained states of exception in several provinces, including Guayas, in response to organized crime and attacks on security forces.

Investigations continue.