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A Cuban citizen was arrested this Sunday in the Chilean city of Iquique after being involved in a violent hit-and-run against a Carabinero officer who was participating in the preparations for a triathlon.
The case has generated shock due to both the severity of the incident and the prior history of the detainee, who was already being prosecuted for another similar episode with fatal results, in which the Cuban had accidentally run over his own son.
Accident amidst sports preparations
The incident occurred around 8:30 in the morning on June 1st, when the Carabineros personnel were securing the safety of a sporting event in the municipality of Iquique, in the Tarapacá region.
Suddenly, a private vehicle traveling against traffic collided head-on with a police motorcyclist, causing him serious injuries.
The driver of the vehicle, who was identified as a Cuban citizen, was not carrying a driver's license and was under the influence of alcohol and illegal substances, as confirmed by the chief prosecutor of Iquique, Gonzalo Valenzuela.
The injured carabinero was immediately transferred to the Regional Hospital of Iquique, where he remains hospitalized.
He presents multiple contusions, an open fracture of the left femur, and a left ring dislocation, and he has already undergone an initial surgical intervention.
Ana María Peralta, an official from the Regional Ministerial Secretariat (SEREMI) of Security in Tarapacá, stated in remarks to Radio Cooperativa that the patient "is being evaluated by a medical team of traumatologists."
"Yesterday, he had a first procedure; we are hoping it will be the only one, and if not, we have the equipment, the attire, and the medical teams available for the official at the Hospital de Iquique," he specified.
A chilling precedent: The Cuban had run over his own son
The severity of the accident intensified when authorities confirmed the background of the arrested individual.
The man was already facing a legal case for another incident with similar characteristics that occurred in 2024, in which his son, just one year and eleven months old, lost his life after being struck by him while he was driving under the influence.
"He has a previous record of driving under the influence resulting in death, in this case of his son, in the year 2024," added the official.
On that occasion, the individual was also driving under the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred that claimed the life of the minor.
As a precautionary measure, he was placed under nighttime house arrest, one of the less burdensome provisions.
However, it is still to be verified whether this condition was being properly fulfilled, a matter that will be clarified by the court.
Driving under multiple violations
At the time of his arrest, the Cuban citizen was not only driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, but he was also driving without a license, which further exacerbates his criminal liability in the case.
Due to this new incident, he will be charged with attempted murder against a police officer on duty.
According to Carabineros, the individual was apprehended at the very location of the incident.
The investigation is in the hands of the Public Ministry, which has already announced new legal actions.
Ana María Peralta announced that they will file a complaint this week because they believe there needs to be support from the state in situations like this.
The authority was emphatic in its condemnation: "It cannot happen that people drive under the influence, ignore traffic signs, and also disregard the signals from the police officers themselves."
Judicial reactions and consequences
The seriousness of the case has prompted immediate reactions from various Chilean authorities, who emphasize the need to strengthen penalties for individuals who reoffend in driving under the influence of substances.
"We hope it will be enough for the court to place him in preventive detention this time," the official emphasized.
So far, the identity of the Cuban citizen involved in the events has not been publicly disclosed, nor has their immigration status.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Incident Involving a Police Officer Being Struck by a Cuban in Chile
What happened in the incident involving the Cuban in Iquique, Chile?
A Cuban citizen was arrested in Iquique, Chile, after hitting a police officer who was involved in the preparations for a sporting event. The driver did not have a driver's license and was under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
What are the background details of the Cuban detained in Chile?
The Cuban was already facing charges for hitting and causing the death of his son in 2024, while driving under the influence. This background complicates his current legal situation.
What is the condition of the wounded police officer in Iquique?
The police officer sustained serious injuries, including fractures and contusions, and underwent surgery at the Regional Hospital of Iquique, where he remains under medical care.
What legal actions are being taken against the Cuban who ran over the police officer?
The Cuban will be formally charged with attempted homicide against a police officer on duty, and the Public Ministry has announced new legal actions, including a lawsuit from the Chilean state.
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