GUACARÍ, Colombia — October 27, 2026. Three armed, masked men kidnapped a 19-year-old woman from a bakery in southwestern Colombia early Tuesday morning, forcing her into a black SUV in an incident captured by surveillance cameras, according to local authorities and Colombian news reports.
The victim, identified as Lizeth Alejandra Castaño Montes, was abducted at approximately 5:12 a.m. in the La Primavera neighborhood of Guacarí, Valle del Cauca. Authorities have launched an extensive search operation and announced a reward of up to 30 million Colombian pesos for information that could help locate her.
SURVEILLANCE VIDEO CAPTURES THE KIDNAPPING
Security camera footage shows a black SUV stopping outside the bakery as the business was preparing to open for the day.
Three men wearing masks entered the establishment and threatened the people inside with firearms.
According to preliminary reports, Castaño Montes was accompanied by her 18-year-old boyfriend and a bakery employee when the gunmen arrived.
The attackers reportedly threatened the two men before forcing the young woman out of the establishment and into the waiting vehicle.
The suspects then fled the area, leaving investigators searching for the vehicle and attempting to determine the route taken after the abduction.
The recording has become a central piece of evidence in the investigation.
VICTIM IDENTIFIED AS BAKERY OWNER’S DAUGHTER
Colombian media identified Castaño Montes as the daughter of the bakery’s owner.
The family reportedly operates additional bakery businesses in Guacarí, a municipality in central Valle del Cauca.
According to preliminary information obtained by local reporters, her father was in Medellín when the kidnapping occurred.
Authorities said there had been no known prior threats or extortion demands against the family.
Investigators were also unaware of any ransom demand from the kidnappers as of the initial reports.
The motive for the abduction remains unknown.
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES 30 MILLION PESO REWARD
Valle del Cauca Governor Dilian Francisca Toro announced a reward of up to 30 million Colombian pesos for information that helps authorities locate the victim or identify the vehicle used in the kidnapping.
The reward was announced following an emergency security meeting involving regional and municipal officials.
Authorities are particularly interested in information about the black SUV, including where it traveled after leaving the bakery.
Officials urged anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement rather than attempting to approach the suspects.
The reward is intended to encourage information that can assist the ongoing investigation and support efforts to bring Castaño Montes home safely.
POLICE, MILITARY AND GAULA LAUNCH SEARCH OPERATION
Colombian authorities activated a coordinated security operation known locally as a plan candado, which involves checkpoints, patrols and surveillance of potential escape routes.
The operation includes the National Police, the Colombian Army and GAULA, specialized law enforcement units responsible for investigating kidnappings and extortion.
Search efforts have expanded beyond Guacarí to nearby municipalities, including Ginebra and El Cerrito, as well as the Rozo and Santa Elena areas.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, checking transportation corridors and gathering information from potential witnesses.
Jaime Durán, Valle del Cauca’s undersecretary for security and coexistence, said authorities were strengthening operations along urban roads and rural routes.
INVESTIGATORS EXAMINE POSSIBLE ARMED GROUP INVOLVEMENT
Authorities are examining several possible explanations for the kidnapping, including whether an illegal armed organization may have been involved.
Some preliminary reporting has mentioned the presence of dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, in the surrounding region.
However, investigators have not confirmed that any particular armed group was responsible for the abduction.
No organization has publicly claimed responsibility in the reporting available.
Officials have also not established whether the kidnapping was motivated by ransom, intimidation or another objective.
Any connection to an armed organization remains an investigative possibility rather than a confirmed finding.
COMMUNITY AWAITS NEWS OF MISSING WOMAN
The kidnapping has generated concern in Guacarí, where the victim was taken from a family business during its morning opening hours.
The surveillance footage shows how quickly the incident unfolded, prompting questions about security in commercial areas and nearby transportation routes.
Local authorities have emphasized that locating the young woman safely is their immediate priority.
Police are continuing to gather evidence and coordinate with regional security forces.
HOW TO PROVIDE INFORMATION
Colombian authorities have asked members of the public to report information that could help locate Castaño Montes or identify those responsible.
Anyone with relevant information can contact the Colombian National Police’s GAULA anti-kidnapping hotline at 165.
Officials are seeking details about the suspects, the black SUV and any possible sightings after the vehicle left La Primavera.
People are advised not to confront suspected kidnappers or share unverified information that could interfere with the investigation.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Investigators are expected to continue reviewing security footage, interviewing witnesses and conducting searches throughout Valle del Cauca.
Authorities have not announced any arrests or confirmed the victim’s whereabouts in the initial reports.
The reward remains available for information that could help locate her.
For now, the priority remains the safe recovery of Lizeth Alejandra Castaño Montes and the identification of the individuals responsible for her abduction.
