Shots Fired by the Primer Parque de Laureles
By Kaveh Paymayesh
- 02/02/2023
02/02/2023, at roughly 2:45 pm there were shots fired outside the Primer Parque de Laureles.
Today, as I have many times, went there to soak in the atmosphere when suddenly it was overcome by a brief moment of dismay and panic.
What Happened?
At approximately 2:45 pm I was sitting in the middle of the park when I heard a succession of loud bangs. Being in Medellin, I didn’t take stock of them; fireworks and motor backfires are familiar sounds throughout the streets of Medellin.
What caught my attention was two teenagers sitting on the south-eastern perimeter of the park suddenly scrambling to their feet and brisking towards me.
Although witless to the situation, I did notice two men on a motorbike flying past the southeastern perimeter of the park where La Pampa is.
I asked the two what they saw and they simply replied “disparos” (shots).
According to their accounts, they were not far away from the shots, maybe 40m.
After sharing our accounts of the event with others in the park, we collectively decided it would be a good idea to distance ourselves, or ‘lagarnos’ from the scene.
I (Foolishly) Returned to the Scene
After exiting the park I did a loop via Transversal 39B (near the Segundo Parque up to the Carulla supermarket).
By the time I got to Carulla I saw the first signs of police presence, around 10 minutes after the event transpired.
At this moment, I can not share the precise details of what happened but am hopeful that news of the situation will surface. When it does, I will keep those interested informed.
EDIT (18/02/23):
Over 2 weeks later and I have seen no updates, nor coverage of this event. I’m not looking to search through muggy waters. This is only an account of my experience.
Below are some photos that I took. They are of poor quality as I did not want to provoke the police who were at this time initiating their investigation.
What I Saw of the Shooting
By the time I got to Carulla, I saw at least 4 police officers, one bike and 2 cars (one of which is used to arrest and transport suspects).
They were talking to witnesses opposite the Carulla supermarket on Tranversal 73B. This is the road located right off the south side of the park and I assume where the incident took place.
According to witnesses in the area (I asked a local fruit vendor), this may have been an armed robbery. This is speculation.
I decided to take a walk to Viva Laureles (a mall) and on my journey saw police searching two men on a motorbike.
The Surreality of it All
I’ve been coming back and forth to Medellin for over 7 years and this has been the closest I have been to a gunshot/shooting. Despite the scare, I’m not disillusioned.
I know these events can and do happen, and while disturbing, it doesn’t make the place any less safe just because I happened to be near whilst something bad happened. I think this would be an ignorant view.
Crime rates are crime rates. They don’t change regardless of my encounter with one.
I guess you could say I was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Having said that, this event highlights the juxtaposition of the city…
In one instant, I was resting on a bench, listening to the birds and relishing the atmosphere of the park as I have many times before. The next, I found myself less than 70m away from bullets being fired by two men on a bike.
The contrast of two polar opposites sharing time and space like this is what reminds me that we should always be vigilant.
Medellin is known for its relaxed vibe; it is what attracts so many of us to the city. I found it disturbing how only 30 minutes after the event, I saw people ignorantly going about their day, walking past the same road as if nothing had happened.
No matter how subdued and peaceful Medellin may feel, it is important to remain vigilant and maintain the same precaution that you had when arriving here.
I found myself becoming more complacent over time and an event like this has galvanized me into taking more care.
Remember, the Primer Parque de Laureles is generally a safe area protected by CCTV, diligent locals and a heavy police presence. However, you never know when danger may strike. Never get complacent.
The sector of Laureles reports the second highest number of robberies in the city, behind only El Centro.
This is my experience, I do not know exactly what happened. This blog serves only to raise awareness and hopefully impart some advice.
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