Police in Talcahuano have arrested two high school seniors after a photograph surfaced showing the youths posing with a shotgun in a school restroom. The suspects, aged 18 and 19, uploaded the image to social media, triggering a police operation across the Biobío Region.
The incident took place at the Liceo Técnico C-25. Officers from the Police Investigation Section (SIP) were dispatched to the school after learning of the digital post, according to reports from cooperativa.cl.
During a search of the students, officers discovered not only the firearm but also other prohibited substances and items. Upon inspecting their clothing, police found a homemade shotgun, doses of marijuana, and a knife.
Milton Rossel, head of the Talcahuano Second Police Station, confirmed the discovery of the items. "We were able to immediately identify and locate the two [suspects in the classroom], upon searching their clothing, we found a homemade shotgun, doses of marijuana in their respective packaging, and a knife," the official stated.
Official Reaction
According to police reports, one of the detainees has a prior criminal record for assault, weapons possession, and domestic violence. Both young men will face a detention hearing and subsequent formal charges in the Talcahuano Guarantee Court for violations of the Weapons Law and the Drug Law.
The government has expressed deep concern regarding safety within school environments. Julio Anativia (RN), the Presidential Delegate for Biobío, described the situation as grave, citing the presence of weaponry in classrooms.
"We are facing everything from threats to the introduction of weapons into educational facilities; this situation worries us," Anativia said. The official also mentioned that the Executive branch is working on legislative projects to toughen penalties.
Anativia emphasized that the judiciary will act strictly in response to these incidents. "Anyone who brings weapons, makes threats, or engages in any crime-related activity in educational institutions must be held criminally liable for their actions," the delegate asserted.
