Police arrested two men at the University of Antofagasta's Coloso campus on Wednesday after reports of individuals brandishing a weapon in the parking lot forced an emergency evacuation. The incident, which occurred around 4:00 p.m., prompted the university to suspend all academic activities.
Students alerted campus security after witnessing individuals inside a vehicle displaying what appeared to be a firearm. The university immediately activated its safety protocols, ordering an immediate evacuation of all campus facilities.
“We inform the entire Coloso Campus community that, due to preventive protocols, the immediate evacuation of all facilities has been ordered," the university stated in a notice to students and staff. "We ask everyone to remain calm and follow the instructions of security personnel.”
Police tactical response
Carabineros de Chile deployed the Special Operations Group (GOPE) to the scene following a call to the 133 emergency line. Colonel Luis Muñoz, prefect of Antofagasta, confirmed that officers were dispatched to neutralize the threat.
“We were requested by security personnel at the University of Antofagasta, Coloso campus, who reported that there were two people inside one of the parking lots handling a firearm," Colonel Muñoz said. "Carabineros arrived at the scene, applied established protocols, and GOPE personnel entered the facility."
Authorities confirmed the arrests of two individuals. While the weapon was initially mistaken for a firearm by witnesses, the Regional Prosecutor's Office later clarified that it was a compressed-air pellet gun.
The suspects now face charges related to making threats, possession of items intended for illicit acts, and causing public disturbance. They are scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Thursday.
