A man with a criminal history was arrested on Monday afternoon in Asunción, accused of stealing emblems and other accessories from parked vehicles. César Medina, who already has a record for theft and aggravated theft, was detained by National Police officers at the intersection of Azara and Paraguarí streets.
The police action was triggered by a report to the 911 system. A woman noticed Medina tampering with her car, which was parked at the corner of México and Fulgencio R. Moreno streets. Upon realizing he had been discovered, the suspect fled, but the victim managed to take a photo of him, an image that was crucial for identification and capture hours later.
During the search, officers found in Medina's backpack four vehicle logos, tools, and two table knives. According to Commissioner Germán Chena, the objects were used to pry the emblem slots and remove them with blows, as well as to steal caps and rearview mirrors.
The commissioner explained that the thefts are carried out on order and that there is information about a recycling scheme for these accessories in the Ricardo Brugada neighborhood, known as La Chacarita. "We are working with the Automotores department to deepen investigations into this type of crime," Chena said.
In the area where Medina was caught, several vehicles were missing accessories, which reinforces the suspicion of recurring activity. The detainee was taken for legal proceedings and remains at the disposal of the courts.