The incident, which occurred around midday, has left residents dismayed. A visibly affected resident lamented: “It’s the drugs, they drive them crazy!”. The statement echoed as the assailant's body remained at the scene awaiting judicial removal. The individual, who had worked in agriculture, reportedly developed addiction problems that led him to commit criminal acts, having multiple prior offenses.
The main square of Puerto Serrano, the epicenter of the incident, was quickly cordoned off by the Civil Guard and the Local Police. Numerous patrols secured the area while judicial officers collected evidence and seized surveillance cameras. The square, still adorned with some garlands, houses two bank branches; one was the target of the robbery, while the other remained closed amidst the tense atmosphere.
“"We started hearing sounds like fireworks. I had never heard shotgun shots before. I thought it was a party or something, but then we saw people running. On instinct, we closed the pharmacy in case he diverted this way."
The owner of the María Magdalena Pharmacy recounted the moments of the shootout. "By the time we raised the gate, it was already full of police and Civil Guard officers," he explained, adding that the bank employees confirmed that one of them had been held at gunpoint. The pharmacist lamented that such events tarnish the image of a town with "hardworking and loyal people dedicated to their businesses."
David Heredia, a security guard at the Puerto Serrano Town Hall, highlighted the swift action of the Local Police. "At quarter to ten, we realized they were robbing the bank. I alerted the Local Police, who arrived quickly at the scene," he reported. Heredia and several council members moved to usher people who were in the square into the town hall, facilitating the police's work and ensuring the safety of passersby.
The rapid intervention of security forces and the decision to shelter citizens in the town hall were crucial in preventing further harm. The news has caused concern among residents, such as John, a young local, who warned: "We are worried, you don't expect this. These things never happen, and fear takes over because this part of the square is always crowded."
