Esta es la identidad del policía que murió tras frustrar asalto en centro comercial de Bucaramanga

The Cuarta Etapa shopping center, located in Bucaramanga, became the scene of a violent armed confrontation that disrupted the daily activities of its visitors.

The incident took place on Saturday, November 29, during a robbery at a jewelry store that escalated into a fierce gunfight, resulting in the death of Fredy Francisco Leal Briceño, chief of the Metropolitan Police of Bucaramanga.

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The sequence of events began around 2:00 p.m. when Leal Briceño, 40 years old and head of the organized crime unit in the Metropolitan Police, was shopping at the shopping center.

The officer noticed suspicious behavior from several individuals rushing out of the jewelry store, carrying a bulky bag with stolen items. Realizing the situation, Leal Briceño intervened with his service weapon, leading to a gunfire exchange with the suspects.

During the gunfire, both the chief of police and one of the criminals were shot. Fredy Leal was injured multiple times while attempting to thwart the robbery, demonstrating his commitment to public safety even while off-duty.

The severity of his injuries necessitated immediate transfer to a medical facility, where medical personnel attempted to revive him for forty-five minutes.

General William Oswaldo Rincón Zambrano, director of the National Police, reported that despite efforts in the emergency room, Chief Leal Briceño succumbed to his injuries.

“Hero slain while preventing a robbery! In a swift and brave action by our police in Bucaramanga, a robbery at a shopping center was thwarted. Five criminals were captured, and two firearms confiscated,” stated the official on his X account.

Additionally, the commander of the Bucaramanga Police noted that “during the operation, one of the suspects was shot after attacking our investigators and sadly, a hero of our Institution, Chief Fredy Francisco Leal Briceño, was killed in the crossfire.”

Lastly, the official expressed condolences to his family: “My deepest sympathies to his family, with the promise that this act will not go unpunished.”

The more than twenty medals awarded to Chief Fredy Francisco Leal Briceño throughout his career reflect a life dedicated to service and police heroism.

Among his accolades are the Police Merit Cross, Distinguished Services, and the Order of Merit Custodio García Rovira, along with bravery distinctions from special and judicial operations.

He also participated in international cooperation missions and took concrete actions against organized crime, solidifying his reputation both in Colombia and abroad.

Throughout his years in the institution, Leal completed over 60 training programs focused on criminal investigation, advanced tactics, human rights, forensic science, and special operations, many conducted abroad. He served in high-level units such as the Dijín, GOES, and Sijín Mebuc, where his role was crucial in investigating and resolving high-impact cases.

The grief over his death resonates among colleagues, high-ranking officers, and family members, who are preparing acts of homage to honor a life devoted to public security. The shock in Bucaramanga is accompanied by a rigorous institutional response.

Designated Mayor Javier Sarmiento announced a reward of up to $100 million for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the crime, whether direct or intellectual.

“The murderers of the chief must be caught. We will not allow these gangs to continue jeopardizing the lives of the people of Bucaramanga,” Sarmiento emphasized, while also increasing police presence in high-traffic areas and the immediate reintegration of officers currently on leave.

The Santander Government supported these decisions and called on citizens to strengthen their collaboration with authorities in light of the advance of criminal gangs. For the Secretary of the Interior, Óscar Hernández, this incident “demonstrates the need to enhance cooperation between institutions and the community.”