Students and teachers at Liceo José Victorino Lastarria in Providencia managed to prevent a vandalism attempt after confronting a group of hooded individuals who entered the school carrying Molotov cocktails.
The incident took place yesterday afternoon, when a group of individuals wearing hoods and white overalls attempted to disrupt the school day.
Video footage shows the school community intervening directly to detain those involved. During the confrontation, students and teachers even managed to pull off the masks the individuals were using to hide their identities.
Discovery of Incendiary Devices
Following the altercation, authorities confirmed that dangerous materials were found within the school premises. Colonel Claudio Rosales, of the Carabineros' Santiago Oriente prefecture, detailed that pyrotechnics were discovered on the grounds.
“Two minors were found in possession of incendiary devices, overalls, and pyrotechnics,” the officer stated. During the search, Molotov cocktails and fireworks were located inside one of the school's bathrooms.
Meanwhile, Juan Andrés Barrientos, the Regional Secretary of Public Security for the Metropolitan Region, reported that the Criminalistics Laboratory and the Carabineros' OS9 department are currently conducting investigations.
Barrientos noted that legal complaints will be filed against those responsible once the Prosecutor's Office provides the necessary instructions. “Once the Prosecutor's Office provides instructions, we will most likely file a complaint regarding the disturbances that occurred,” the official said.
Teachers at the school identified two students, aged 13 and 15, as participants in the incident. Both minors remained at the school until police arrived and were subsequently released to their parents.
As a result of the incident, the administration of Liceo José Victorino Lastarria announced that classes for grades 7 through 12 are suspended for this Tuesday. Classes from kindergarten to 6th grade will continue as scheduled.