A 12-year-old student was struck by a stray bullet during a shooting outside a school in Panama’s San Miguelito District on Monday. The incident happened in front of the Gabriel Lewis Galindo General Basic Education Center in the Rufina Alfaro township. Police arrested a 16-year-old suspect and recovered a firearm at the scene.
The shooting occurred around midday on April 27, 2026. A gunman fired multiple shots at a silver-gray vehicle near the school entrance. The 12-year-old victim was not a student at that school. He was walking through the area when the bullets flew. Officials said he is now receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
Police officers patrolling the sector heard the gunfire and gave chase. They caught the teenage suspect in a nearby wooded area. Authorities also recovered a weapon and found the suspected vehicle in the Colinas del Golf neighborhood. The driver of that car had been released from prison in 2025 after serving time for homicide, weapons offenses, and gang-related crimes.
School Safety Protocols Activated Immediately
The Ministry of Education (Panama) confirmed the violence did not originate inside the school. “This incident is unrelated to the educational center in the Las Trancas sector,” the ministry stated. [Translated from Spanish]
“Security protocols were activated immediately in coordination with the relevant authorities to safeguard the integrity of students, teachers, and administrative staff.” – Ministry of Education (Panama) [Translated from Spanish]
The ministry did not specify whether classes were suspended for the day. Police have launched a full investigation to determine what sparked the shooting. Investigators are also searching for any additional suspects who may have been involved.
This shooting highlights a troubling pattern of gang violence spilling into public spaces. The suspect’s alleged vehicle driver had a criminal record tied to organized crime. Authorities believe the attack may have been targeted at the silver-gray car’s occupants.
Local education officials expressed concern for student safety. The San Miguelito regional education office issued a public statement on social media. They confirmed the incident occurred near the Gabriel Lewis Galindo General Basic Education Center and urged calm among parents.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. Students and teachers scrambled for cover when the shooting started. No other injuries were reported. The 12-year-old victim remains hospitalized. His condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Police are asking anyone with information to come forward. They want to know if the shooter acted alone or with accomplices. The recovered firearm will be tested to see if it was used in other crimes.
This is the second violent incident near a school in San Miguelito this year. Community leaders are calling for increased police patrols during school hours. The Ministry of Education says it will review security measures at all schools in the district.
San Miguelito has struggled with gang-related crime for years. The district sits just north of Panama City and faces unique challenges. Many neighborhoods experience high poverty rates and limited economic opportunities. Rufina Alfaro, where the shooting occurred, has seen several violent incidents in recent months.
Police officials say they are committed to reducing crime in the area. They have increased foot patrols and surveillance operations. Monday’s swift arrest shows their ability to respond quickly, they argued. But critics say more prevention work is needed before shots are fired.
The investigation continues. Anyone with video footage or information should contact the National Police tip line.