He was in civilian clothes in the shopping center and did not hesitate to confront the gang of assailants.
News Colombia.
The mayor Fredy Leal Briceno40 years old, is remembered today as the hero who gave his life to prevent a million-dollar robbery in a jewelry store in the Cabecera Cuarta Etapa Shopping Center in Bucaramanga. The uniformed man, who was in civilian clothes making purchases, did not hesitate to act when he noticed the assault that several criminals were carrying out on the fourth floor of the establishment.
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According to authorities, Leal Briceño reacted immediately, confronting the criminals in the midst of an intense shootout that unleashed panic among visitors to the shopping center. His intervention allowed the robbery to be thwarted, but also triggered an exchange of gunfire that left him seriously injured.
𝗛𝗘́𝗥𝗢𝗘 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗠 𝗨𝗡 𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗧𝗢! In a quick and brave action by our police officers in #Bucaramangaa theft in a Shopping Center was foiled. 𝗖𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘀 𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝘀… pic.twitter.com/Q6eABPcH49
— Brigadier General William Oswaldo Rincón Zambrano (@DirectorPolicia) November 29, 2025
Despite his injuries, the mayor remained conscious for several minutes and was helped by citizens and security personnel. Witnesses report that, even though he was wounded, he tried to stay upright and asked that the area be secured to prevent the criminals from escaping.
Leal Briceno He fought for his life for 48 minutes while being transported and treated by medical personnel. However, the severity of the impacts ended up taking his life, leaving a deep feeling of pain among his colleagues, family and the citizens who today recognize his value.
The National Police highlighted their bravery and dedication, ensuring that their intervention prevented a robbery that would have represented million-dollar losses for the affected jewelry store. The authorities continue to collect videos and testimonies to fully identify the attackers and clarify the incident.
The community of Bucaramanga, for its part, has expressed its indignation and solidarity with the mayor’s family. Messages of tribute and gratitude to the uniformed man circulate on social networks, whose heroic action prevented a major tragedy within the shopping center.
How was the frustrated jewelry robbery in Bucaramanga?
This was the shooting and attempted robbery of a jewelry store in Bucaramanga: details of the criminal gang
Expansion >>> https://t.co/gRdr7zl8Nm pic.twitter.com/NB1UI0uKmj
— Noticias Caracol (@NoticiasCaracol) November 30, 2025
At least 5 criminals were captured by the Police after robbing a jewelry store in the 4 Etapa shopping center in Bucaramanga. The Mayor’s Office will offer a reward for information to arrest others involved. A Sijin sergeant died after confronting the thieves. pic.twitter.com/BZb4k3TBJ0
— Blu Santanderes (@BLUSantanderes) November 29, 2025
🔴🗣 #Exclusive | According to the Police, the criminals who tried to steal jewelry in Bucaramanga are from Barranquilla. A vehicle used by this gang was found in a neighborhood of the city.
Here more details of the facts. 👇https://t.co/l1ORE73jT5 pic.twitter.com/uZ4koggLoJ
— Caracol Bucaramanga (@CaracolBga) November 30, 2025
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