A Cuban truck driver was fatally shot by the Chilean Maritime Police in a violent incident on Sunday at the former Comaco port facility in San Antonio, located in the Valparaíso region. The confrontation, involving 43-year-old Rogniel Manso, occurred around 3:30 p.m. after other drivers reported a truck speeding dangerously in the parking area, as detailed by the local newspaper, El Líder.
Manso, upon being reprimanded by a fellow driver, reportedly brandished a machete in a threatening manner and subsequently crashed into a pickup truck. According to maritime authorities, officers on the scene requested that Manso exit his vehicle. However, the trucker, believed to hail from Fomento in Sancti Spíritus, refused and attempted to run over the naval personnel, driving his truck directly at them and colliding with a government vehicle.
Faced with the imminent threat, officers discharged their service weapons, firing over six shots, resulting in Manso's death at the scene. The investigation has been handed over to the Carabineros, with support from the Criminalistics Laboratory (Labocar), under the directive of the on-duty prosecutor. Carolina Quinteros, the presidential delegate of San Antonio, stated that they are awaiting the outcome of the investigations ordered by the Public Prosecutor's Office to clarify the events.
Witnesses described Manso's behavior as erratic and terrifying. Those close to him mentioned he had recently traveled to Cuba and was dealing with personal issues that were deeply troubling him. They also noted that on the day of the incident, he appeared "out of control" and was speaking incoherently.
Following the event, a large machete was discovered inside a bag in the truck's cabin. No officers from the Navy were injured in the confrontation. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Port Company (EPSA) issued a statement expressing regret over the incident and reaffirming their commitment to maintaining operational safety within the facility. "We have been coordinating with the Maritime Authority from the onset of this situation and are cooperating with the investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office," EPSA stated.
Details of the Violent Incident Involving Cuban Trucker
What led to the fatal shooting of the truck driver?
The truck driver, Rogniel Manso, was shot after he refused to exit his vehicle and instead attempted to run over naval personnel, posing an imminent threat.
Who is investigating the incident?
The investigation is being conducted by the Carabineros, with assistance from the Criminalistics Laboratory (Labocar), under the supervision of the on-duty prosecutor.
Were there any injuries reported among the officers?
No injuries were reported among the naval officers involved in the incident.