Hitman unleashes chaos, leaving two dead and four injured at pool hall opening

What began as a night of celebration and sporting competition in Villa del Rosario, Norte de Santander, ended in tragedy when a hitman stormed the "El Gran Templo del Billar" venue, leaving two people dead and four injured.

The event took place on the night of Saturday, March 15, with the presence of two renowned professional pool players, Lainker Quiñones, known as "Kuko," from La Guajira, and Gerson Martínez from Peru. The intention was to attract customers and enhance the establishment's opening. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm, and the bets heightened the excitement of the moment.

However, everything came crashing down around 9:40 p.m. when a man dressed in jeans and a red T-shirt evaded the venue's private security and entered shooting. Chaos ensued as patrons sought refuge among the pool tables or fled.

According to authorities, the attack was directed at Samir Fernando Olarte Téllez, a local moneylender and money changer. A judicial source revealed that the hitman first fired at the ceiling to sow panic, then aimed directly at Olarte, hitting him in the chest.

Amid the chaos, Edwin Yesid Uribe Vargas, a motorcycle dealer who was trying to flee, accidentally crossed the line of fire and was hit by a bullet in the left ear, dying instantly.

Samir Olarte was taken to a medical center but did not survive the wound. In addition, four more people were injured: Felipe Alfonso Osorio Velásquez, Jesús Ariel Suárez, Jimmy Ramírez Martínez, and Edinson Lascarro Carrillo.

The attacker took advantage of the disorder and desperation to escape. The Metropolitan Police, under the command of Colonel Julio Olaya, is analyzing security videos from the venue and surrounding areas to identify the perpetrator.

Meanwhile, authorities are investigating why Samir Olarte was targeted. Although he had no criminal record, he is known to lend money and had recently mentioned having a significant outstanding debt.

The event organizers deeply regretted the incident and expressed their solidarity with the victims' families.