Footballer rushed to hospital after being shot as he got into firefight with bungling robbers who killed man at bar
A FORMER Colombian top-fight footballer has been rushed to hospital after being shot by bungling robbers who killed another man in an attack on a bar.
Elkin Blanco was identified in CCTV footage of the horror incident as the man who resisted the armed robbery by picking up a gun and getting into a firefight with one of the assailants as his accomplice wrestled with the victim who lost his life.
The footage showed the 35-year-old, who had two spells at Colombian First Division side Millionarios, risking his life by chasing the robber away after the gunmen announced the hold-up while they were still wearing their motorbike helmets to disguise their identity.
Federico Gutierrez, mayor of Medellin where the incident occurred last night, confirmed Elkin who is currently without a club and thanked fans for their support in an Instagram message late this afternoon, was out of danger.
The midfielder, a youth player with Brazilian side Gremio before he returned to his homeland, is said to have been shot four times during the attack although none of his injuries have been described as life-threatening.
The man who died after reaching hospital has been named as Duván Alejandro Mosquera Vargas, 25.
A spokesman for local police said: “The man who died lunged at one of the assailants who shot him with a firearm.
“The injured 35-year-old, Elkin Blanco, reached with a weapon, generating an exchange of gunfire with the other criminal.”
Mayor Mr Gutierrez, promising arrests would be made and justice done, said on X: “Yesterday evening, an unfortunate incident occurred.
“Two criminals entered a commercial establishment in the Rosales area of Medellin, with the intention of robbing it.
“They murdered a person identified as Duvan Alejandro Mosquera and injured the former footballer Elkin Blanco who is out of danger.
“The instruction to our police officers is clear, catch these criminals.
“We already have the images with their faces and we have also identified the motorbike on which they were travelling.
“We also know in which sector of the city these cowards were hiding. The police have been operating in the area since last night. These bandits will fall.
“I regret the death of Duvan. Solidarity with his family and friends We will get justice.”
Elkin has been identified locally as the owner of the unnamed nightspot that was targeted.
Customers could be seen seeking refuge under terrace tables as the gunfight occurred.
Fans took to social media today to wish the ex-Millionarios star, who also played for Colombian sides Atletico Nacional and America de Cali, to wish him a speedy recovery.
One said: “God bless you. Thanks God you weren’t seriously injured.”
Elkin said in his first comments about the incident late this afternoon, on his Instagram profile where he has 100,000 followers and describes himself as a ‘partner of God’: “Thanks to all of you for your messages.
“I am okay health-wise and thanks to God I am now back at home and recovering.”
Describing the man shot dead as a “great friend” he referenced by his nickname Alejo which is a short form of Alejandro, he added: “I’m very sad about the departure of a great friend.
“I will always remember you Alejo.”