A police officer will stand trial accused of shooting out a young woman's eye with a pellet.

A 17-year-old teenager lost her left eye after being hit in the face by a pellet during a police operation. The projectile was fired from a Byrna rifle, a weapon used by the Police to shoot pepper spray capsules. The young woman was treated at a health center, but doctors were unable to save her eyeball.

The incident occurred on June 8, 2025, during a police intervention in the Zepa B neighborhood, east of the city of Córdoba. The force arrived at the scene following reports of disturbances in the public thoroughfare. In this context, several officers began firing rubber bullets to disperse the residents.

The events surrounding the operation in the Zepa B neighborhood

According to the case file, the operation began after a report of disorder in the area and the presence of two young suspects. The arrival of the Police led to a confrontation with residents, some of whom allegedly threw stones at the patrol vehicles. One of the police officers was struck on the arm by a stone.

In this context, cartridges with rubber bullets and also Byrna rifles, which fire non-lethal projectiles, were used. This equipment was introduced in 2023 as a preventive alternative to the use of firearms. It is prohibited to use it against the head, neck or other sensitive areas.

According to the accusation, Sub-Inspector Fabricio Vergaras Figueroa fired directly at a house. M., the teenager who was injured in the face, was at the scene. The shot was fired from a close distance and caused an irreversible injury.

A video recorded by residents shows that the officer continued firing after the incident. The young woman was then taken for medical attention at a health center. The shot reportedly occurred while officers were pursuing a young man who had taken refuge in that house.

The police officer is charged with serious injury and falsification in his report

Less than two months after the incident, Prosecutor Andrés Godoy sent the officer to trial on criminal charges. He charged him with serious injury aggravated by his status as a police officer and with ideological falsification. The officer remains free, with inactive status within the force.

According to the accusation, the officer intentionally fired at close range at the young woman's face. "The defendant fired a shot with his less-lethal weapon at shoulder height, parallel to the ground and in the direction of the area where the victim was located," the prosecutor stated. He also said it was neither a fortuitous event nor a mistake.

He is also accused of omitting information in his official report after the operation. The officer reportedly stated that there were no injuries or incidents during his intervention. He also did not mention that he himself had been hit by a stone.

The case file remained in the hands of Godoy's prosecutor's office; meanwhile, the actions of the residents are under review by Prosecutor Raúl Garzón.  Godoy requested various pieces of evidence before proceeding with the formal accusation. Likewise, the young woman's mother is acting as a plaintiff together with attorney Carlos Nayi.