Attention: escape of prisoners from the Popayán prison transitional center was on video; they escaped through the roof and there were shots

At least 30 inmates escaped from the temporary detention center known as La Carceleta Laura Valencia in Popayán, Colombia, after a violent breakout involving gunfire and chaos. The incident occurred around midday on July 22, 2026, when prisoners climbed onto the roof of the facility to flee. According to initial reports, police responded with force, firing shots to contain the situation. Two suspects have been recaptured so far, though authorities have yet to confirm how many others remain at large. Videos circulating online show the moment of escape, with individuals shouting warnings and gunfire echoing in the background. The detention center, located in the Modelo neighborhood of Popayán, is housed within an old educational building. Witnesses described scenes of confusion as inmates scaled the roof to evade capture. Police and members of the National Dialogue and Order Maintenance Unit (Undmo) deployed an encircling operation to track down possible escapees and secure the area. A police officer was injured during the operation, according to preliminary accounts. The situation has raised concerns over the facility’s overcrowding and poor infrastructure, which have long been cited as contributing factors to instability within the prison system. Residents nearby reported hearing gunshots and seeing smoke rising from the scene. In one video shared on social media, a man can be heard yelling, “Close the gate!” while another voice is heard saying, “They can’t shoot.” These clips have amplified public anxiety about the incident. Some citizens claim they saw individuals fleeing the premises, although these claims have not been officially verified. The local community expressed fear and frustration, particularly given the history of similar incidents in the region. Authorities have confirmed that the facility had been under increased scrutiny due to its deteriorating conditions and high population density. Plans were already underway to relocate detainees to authorized penitentiaries in the area, but the timing of this incident has added urgency to those efforts. Officials have not released specific numbers regarding the number of escapees or the extent of damage caused during the breakout. They have requested time to investigate further before making any official statements. The incident has reignited discussions about the broader challenges facing Colombia’s correctional system. Critics argue that overcrowded facilities and inadequate security measures contribute to frequent escapes and violence. This case highlights the need for improved infrastructure and more effective management strategies to prevent future occurrences. Local officials have pledged to review current protocols and consider additional resources to address systemic issues. As of late afternoon on July 22, police continued their search for remaining escapees, while residents in the surrounding area remained on alert. Emergency services were present at the scene, assisting with containment and providing medical aid where necessary. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected in the coming hours. Meanwhile, the footage captured during the escape continues to circulate online, serving as a stark visual record of the chaos that unfolded.