Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Top Salvadoran Police Official and Embezzlement Suspect

A military helicopter crash in El Salvador resulted in the deaths of Police Director Mauricio Arriaza and embezzlement suspect Manuel Coto. The crash occurred on Sunday night in the Pasaquina district. President Nayib Bukele called for a thorough investigation, highlighting Arriaza’s contributions to national security.

The head of El Salvador's police force and an embezzlement suspect were killed in a military helicopter crash Sunday night, the government reported. Police director Mauricio Arriaza was escorting former cooperative manager Manuel Coto back to El Salvador.

Coto, accused of embezzling $35 million, was apprehended in Honduras earlier Sunday after attempting to flee to the United States. Salvadoran police took custody of him following his arrest. The Salvadoran Armed Forces indicated that the helicopter went down in the Pasaquina district, southeast of the country near the Honduras border. It remains unclear how many individuals were aboard when it crashed.

President Nayib Bukele stated on X: "What happened cannot remain a simple 'accident'. It must be investigated thoroughly and to the last consequences." He commended Arriaza for his vital contributions to national security and his leadership in numerous police operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)