The victim, identified as José Carlos GZ, had just purchased a vehicle from a used car lot before heading onto Avenida de las Américas, near the intersection with Avenida González Suárez. According to initial findings from the National Police, a pickup truck stopped his vehicle shortly after he left the dealership.
Authorities say approximately five individuals exited the truck wearing jackets resembling those used by Ecuador’s National Police. The group then opened fire, killing the man at the scene.
Investigators confirmed that the victim had no prior criminal record. However, preliminary information indicates that the vehicle he had just purchased may have previously been linked to a drug-related case in the province of El Oro.
Police and prosecutors from Azuay responded to the scene and have begun gathering evidence as part of an ongoing investigation. Officials have not yet released further details about the suspects or a possible motive.
The case has raised concern due to the use of apparent police uniforms, a tactic that can create confusion and reduce the likelihood of resistance during targeted attacks.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing, including the origin of the vehicle and whether it played a role in the attack.