A suspected criminal was shot and killed by the National Police during an attempted car theft in the Cotocollao sector of northern Quito on the night of May 19, 2026.

According to police, officers responded to reports that three armed individuals were attempting to steal a vehicle at the intersection of Sabanillas and Juan Domingo streets. Surveillance footage released by authorities shows the suspects approaching the vehicle, assaulting the owner, and damaging the car during the attempted robbery.

Police stated that two of the suspects fled the scene after noticing officers nearby. During the intervention, authorities used lethal force against one of the individuals involved, identified as Diego P., who died at the scene.

Officials confirmed that the deceased suspect had prior criminal records related to robbery and illicit drug trafficking. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.