The National Civil Police reports that, in a home in zone 5 of Villa Nueva, an eight-year-old minor was rescued, as he was being held by his father.
The operation was carried out after the PNC was alerted about shots fired and a fire in a building in El Esfuerzo alley.
The suspect was identified as Brandon “N,” who allegedly held his son captive while carrying a knife and what looked like a rifle. He is also accused of starting a fire.
After obtaining authorization from the family, the security forces carried out a tactical intervention to break into the house, extract the minor and apprehend the aggressor.
The subject is identified as a suspected gang member, without specifying the criminal structure to which he belongs. In addition, he had an arrest warrant for violence against women, for which he was taken to court.
Meanwhile, the minor is under the custody of the Attorney General’s Office for his protection.
PNC rescues an 8-year-old boy taken hostage by his own father who set fire to his house in Villa Nueva pic.twitter.com/CsZoax8QGQ
— PNC of Guatemala (@PNCdeGuatemala) April 3, 2026
The authorities emphasize that the priority was the interest of the child, which prevented a tragedy.
Stay up to date with the Now newsletter. Key information at the moment it happens. Subscribe here.