In the Neuquén city of Centenario, an incident was reported at the Fifth Police Station where a prison sergeant was taken hostage by inmates. The event took place at 18:50 on Monday when the prisoners retained the guard while taking in a detainee returning from a medical leave. Fortunately, after negotiations, the hostage was released unharmed but in shock.
During the incident, the inmates raised demands including transfers, improvements in furniture and visiting conditions, as well as the provision of cleaning supplies. Commissioner Félix Caporaso, Coordinator of the Peripheral Zone II, mentioned that the police negotiation team managed to establish a calm dialogue with the inmates, avoiding a violent outcome as the tense episode concluded around 23:00.
After three hours of tension and negotiations, the guard was released and received medical attention due to the emotional impact suffered. His health status, after being evaluated by psychologists from the institution, was deemed stable. Caporaso highlighted that such incidents are rare at the Fifth Police Station, although he emphasized the need to reinforce preventive measures in other units.
Among the thirteen inmates involved, only one has a firm conviction and will be transferred soon. The police deployed a security operation that included the temporary closure of streets to protect neighbors and pedestrians. Once the negotiations concluded, calm returned to the area with no reports of additional incidents.
Although some demands were met, requests for inmate transfers will be examined on a case-by-case basis. The Fifth Police Station has resumed its usual activities and the guard is in the process of recovery with the support of his family and the institution's team of professionals. Caporaso noted that while such unusual events may recur, the police force is prepared to handle them effectively through their negotiation team and containment measures.