Former Ecuador World Cup midfielder Christian Lara has been arrested following an alleged attempted armed robbery in the capital city of Quito. The 45-year-old ex-footballer, known by the nickname 'Diablito' or 'Little Devil', was among four suspects detained after a failed hold-up at an electronics store in the La Magdalena neighbourhood.
Violent Arrest Caught on Camera
Dramatic footage broadcast on national television captured the chaotic scene as Lara was kicked and punched by angry bystanders before police officers managed to bundle him into a patrol car. The video shows the retired footballer in handcuffs outside the Tecnomega electronics shop as members of the public lashed out, striking him in the head while officers struggled to maintain control.
Police Operation Foils Robbery Attempt
Heavily armed police officers were forced to shield the former international after responding to an emergency call about the robbery attempt. Police chief Pablo Lastra confirmed that approximately six individuals with firearms had entered the premises with the alleged aim of committing a robbery.
'I can confirm we have apprehended four individuals who allegedly participated in an attempted robbery of a technology store in a neighbourhood in the Ecuadorian capital Quito called La Magdalena,' Lastra stated in an official statement.
Weapons and Evidence Seized
During the operation, police seized three guns including a home-made mini-rifle, several firearm cartridges, and a number of electronic items. Official photographs released by authorities show the detained suspects lined up after the incident, with Lara pictured on the far right wearing dark trousers and a red and black hoodie.
Football Career and Criminal Record
According to police reports, Lara is the only one of the four detained men who doesn't have a previous criminal record. The retired footballer, who earned 28 caps for Ecuador, was intercepted in a 'getaway' car waiting outside the shop during the police operation.
Lara spent most of his professional career with Quito-based Club Deportivo El Nacional, with additional stints in the Qatari League, Colombia, and Mexico. He was considered one of Ecuador's most promising players during his peak years.
World Cup Legacy
The midfielder made his national team debut in 2001 and played a crucial role in Ecuador's qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He scored and provided an assist against Argentina in the CONMEBOL 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification, leading Ecuador to a memorable 2-0 victory over the South American giants.
Lara was included in Ecuador's squad for the 2006 tournament, marking the country's second appearance in the World Cup finals. At 162 cm tall, he was considered the shortest player to participate in that year's competition.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Police have confirmed that the case will now be handed over to public prosecutors, who will decide whether to lay formal charges against the detained individuals. The other three men arrested alongside Lara have been identified locally as Luis Alberto Mera Martinez, Wilter Ramón Cedeno Marciklo, and Medina Lombeida Jose Eduardo.
The incident has shocked the Ecuadorian football community, where Lara was once celebrated as a national team hero. His dramatic fall from grace highlights the ongoing challenges faced by retired athletes in maintaining stability after their professional careers end.
