22/06/2026 06:46 - Actualidad
Escena nocturna en zona urbana de Mendoza con una iglesia de fondo iluminada por faroles. Tres hombres sentados en la acera cerca de la entrada del templo. En la esquina, una camioneta policial de Preventores con luces rojas y azules activadas. Atmósfera tranquila, calle residencial con edificios bajos y árboles. Estilo fotorealista, iluminación de noche urbana.
Community involvement proved crucial in locating two individuals wanted by the justice system in Ciudad de Mendoza (the capital city of Mendoza Province, located in western Argentina's wine region). Alert residents who observed three men sleeping near a church at the intersection of Beltrán and Salta streets reported the situation through the "Ojos en Alerta" (Eyes on Alert) citizen reporting program.
Upon receiving the tip, the Centro de Operaciones (Operations Center) immediately dispatched a unit of Preventores—Mendoza's municipal preventive security force that patrols public spaces—to verify the situation. Simultaneously, the scene was monitored via municipal camera 4-19, providing real-time intelligence to personnel en route to the location.
This is Mendoza's citizen communication system that allows residents to report suspicious activities or emergencies directly. Information is received at an operations center that coordinates responses with security forces and municipal surveillance cameras, enabling rapid and efficient action. It represents a modern approach to community policing that has proven effective in this case.
| Person | Status | Origin | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Man 1 | Arrest Warrant | Auto Theft Prosecution Unit (Prosecutor's Office No. 16) | July 2024 |
| Man 2 | Court Summons | Contraventional Court No. 1 | August 2025 |
| Man 3 | No Issues | Left the scene without incident | |
Upon arrival, officers interviewed all three individuals and conducted verification through authorized systems. It was confirmed that two of the individuals had pending judicial measures.
The first man had an active arrest warrant, issued in July 2024 by the Unidad Fiscal de Sustracción de Automotores (Auto Theft Prosecution Unit) of Fiscalía de Instrucción N.º 16 (Instruction Prosecutor's Office No. 16). This specialized prosecutor's office investigates vehicle theft crimes, which have significant impact in the province.
The second individual had an outstanding summons to appear (comparendo), issued in August 2025 by Juzgado Contravencional N.º 1 (Contraventional Court No. 1). This type of judicial measure requires the person to appear before the court to answer for minor offenses or violations.
Given this situation, the Ayudante Fiscal de turno (on-duty Assistant Prosecutor) was notified and ordered both individuals transferred to Comisaría Sexta (Sixth Police Station) to continue proceedings. Personnel from the Unidad Especial de Patrullaje (Special Patrol Unit) subsequently carried out the transfer.
Municipal officials highlighted that this operation demonstrates the importance of coordination among three fundamental pillars: citizen participation (through Ojos en Alerta), technological tools (surveillance cameras), and preventive presence on public streets (Preventores corps).
The third man present, having no pending judicial matters, left the location without incident.
Mendoza, Argentina's fourth-largest province famous for its wine production and proximity to the Andes mountains, has established specialized prosecutor's offices for different types of crimes. The Auto Theft Prosecution Unit specifically investigates vehicle robberies—a crime that significantly affects residents. Arrest warrants are issued by judges or prosecutors when there is a need to detain a person so they can answer before the justice system for an investigated crime.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
