Pan American Judo Champion Arrested, Released, Then Re-Arrested for Motorcycle Theft

Asunción, Paraguay – A dramatic series of events unfolded in Asunción involving Bernie Ezequiel Bareiro Sánchez, a two-time Pan American judo champion, who was initially apprehended for motorcycle theft, released by a prosecutor, and subsequently re-arrested for a separate, similar offense.

Initial Theft and Release

The initial incident occurred on Sunday morning near Paseo Carmelitas. A security guard reported that a man was attempting to steal his motorcycle. The owner confronted the suspect, leading to a physical altercation. With assistance from bystanders, the owner subdued the alleged thief and handed him over to police at the 6th station in Asunción.

“The victim, a security guard at one of the bars there, filed a report with the 6th police station in Asunción.”

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Bareiro Sánchez, identified as a 21-year-old from Lambaré, revealed he was a competitive judoka. Police noted his athletic build. Despite the circumstances of his arrest and the victim’s recovery of his motorcycle, prosecutor Teresa Sosa Laconich ordered his immediate release.

Second Arrest Warrant

The initial release sparked outrage among law enforcement officials. Yet, their frustration was short-lived as another arrest warrant surfaced, this time related to a motorcycle theft that occurred on February 21 on Avenida Cantaluppi. Surveillance footage reportedly identified Bareiro Sánchez as a suspect in that case as well.

“This case occurred on February 21 on Avenida Cantaluppi… Surveillance cameras captured the attack and escape.”

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Charges Filed and Detention Requested

Prosecutor Marcial Machado, handling the second case, has filed charges against Bareiro Sánchez and requested pre-trial detention, a stark contrast to the earlier decision to release him. This suggests a more rigorous prosecution of the athlete in connection with the second theft.

Junior Pan American Games Context

The Asunción Junior Pan American Games 2025 are scheduled to take place from August 9 to 23, 2025. The Asuncion Junior Panamerican Cup 2024, featuring 145 judoka from 12 countries, was held September 14, 2024. More information about the games can be found here.

Learn more about the Asunción 2025 games.

FAQ

• What charges is Bernie Ezequiel Bareiro Sánchez facing? He is facing charges related to motorcycle theft, with a request for pre-trial detention in the second case.
• Why was he initially released? Prosecutor Teresa Sosa Laconich ordered his release after the first arrest.
• Where did these incidents occur? Both incidents occurred in Asunción, Paraguay.

This is a developing story. 247sports.news will continue to provide updates as they become available.