Ecuador: Police responding to shooting at Centro Comercial Multiplaza in Esmeraldas as of late Sept. 14

Event

Police are responding to reports of a shooting inside Centro Comercial Multiplaza mall in Esmeraldas as of late Sept. 14. Witness accounts suggest at least four injuries. Authorities are clearing the mall and evacuations are ongoing. The motive of the shooting is not immediately clear, though gang violence connected to drug-trafficking organizations have sharply increased in Esmeraldas in recent months. Police have not confirmed any arrests.

Heightened security, as well as localized business and transport disruptions, are likely in the coming hours as officials conduct investigations.

Esmeraldas is approximately 182 km (113 miles) northwest of Quito.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes to circumvent the incident site. Comply with all directives given by police; do not approach police unless commanded to do so.