Guayaquil Bank Robbery Leaves One Guard Dead After Gunmen Take Hostages Inside

Guayaquil, Ecuador— One security guard was killed Thursday when a bank robbery turned into a hostage situation in Guayaquil, forcing a three-hour standoff with police.

The robbery began at 11:30 a.m. at a branch of Banco Pichincha on 9 de Octubre Avenue. Three armed men entered the bank. They were wearing motorcycle helmets. They ordered staff and customers to the floor. The guard, a 48-year-old private security officer, tried to draw his weapon. He was shot at close range.

The gunmen then locked the doors and kept six people inside as hostages. They demanded a getaway car and safe passage. Police from the National Police intervention unit surrounded the building. Snipers took positions across the street. Traffic was diverted.

Negotiators spoke to the gunmen by phone. The men asked for $50,000 from the vault and a motorcycle to flee. Police refused. At 2:15 p.m., the tactical team breached the side entrance after hearing shouting inside. They entered shooting.

One robber was killed in the exchange. Two others were captured. The six hostages were freed. They had minor injuries from being pushed. The guard died at the scene before paramedics could move him.

"This was a planned robbery that went wrong for them. They did not expect the guard to react. Then they panicked," a police commander told reporters outside the bank. "The quick response prevented more deaths."

Guayaquil has seen a surge in bank robberies this year as organized gangs expand into the city center. Banks have increased private security, but guards are often outgunned.

The bank said it will provide support to the guard's family. The branch will stay closed for investigation. The prosecutor's office opened cases of murder, attempted murder, and hostage-taking.

The two captured suspects are being held at the Guayaquil detention center. Police are searching for a fourth man who waited outside on a motorcycle.