A police officer fired 17 shots to try to stop thieves who stole a car.

The tranquility of Parque Patricios was interrupted on Friday night when a violent shootout erupted in the middle of the street. Three armed criminals assaulted a man who was parking his vehicle and were confronted by a police officer who attempted to thwart the robbery.

The incident occurred at 9:10 PM on General Urquiza Street, between Cátulo Castillo and Brasil. An officer of the City Police was leaving his house to start his shift when he witnessed the assault on a 37-year-old driver. The thieves stole his black Renault Stepway, as well as his documents, house keys, and phone.

When the officer gave the order to stop, one of the criminals fired twice: one shot into the air and another at the victim, who fortunately was not hit.

In response, the officer fired 17 shots intending to neutralize the criminals, although none hit the target. Terrified neighbors ran for cover as bullets struck two parked cars.

The criminals managed to escape in two vehicles: the stolen Renault and, according to security camera footage, a dark gray Peugeot 408.

Neighborhood Police Station 4A launched an operation to track their whereabouts, while Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office No. 39, led by prosecutor María Paula Asaro, ordered the seizure of the officer's service weapon, a Beretta 9mm, without initiating proceedings against him.

Neighbors in the area shared security camera recordings, where the thieves can be seen running to carry out the robbery and the moment when the officer, who was about to get into his car, detects the situation and triggers the shootout.

This new incident demonstrates how the City is increasingly out of control, while the Government of Jorge Macri limits itself to giving empty speeches and only worries about the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the residents of Buenos Aires are increasingly exposed to crime.