In a dramatic turn of events, gang member Francisco Andrés Villavicencio Mancía managed to escape from police custody with his handcuffs still on. The escape occurred on October 8, 2019, just hours after he was captured in the Marsella residential area in San Juan Opico. Villavicencio, a member of the terrorist group 18 Revolucionaria, had previously been captured within the framework of the Territorial Control Plan, with the police accusing him of serious crimes.
According to reports, Villavicencio was hiding in a house in a private residential area when he was apprehended by Special Forces. The PNC announced his capture on social media, highlighting his involvement in terrorist activities, aggravated homicide, and deprivation of liberty. However, the joy of his capture was short-lived as Villavicencio somehow managed to escape from the Apopa 911 Emergency System police barracks where he had been transferred.
This incident raises concerns about the security protocols in place at police facilities, especially in light of previous escapes by gang members. In June 2020, ten gang members escaped from the Apopa Delegation police barracks and stole an ambulance in the process. Despite being listed as one of the 100 most wanted criminals and facing multiple serious charges, Villavicencio still managed to slip through the cracks and evade custody.
The escape of Villavicencio Mancía serves as a reminder of the challenges that law enforcement officers face in their efforts to combat gang violence and maintain control over dangerous criminals. It also highlights the need for increased vigilance and stricter security measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.