Five people were injured in clashes between rioters and police, after members of the unruly mob apparently attempted to lynch a suspected rapist that authorities were trying to protect, El Espectador reported Friday.
The unrest occurred in Soacha, in the central department of Cundinamarca, when inhabitants sought to take justice into their own hands after a man allegedly raped an area college student.
The suspected perpetrator had sought refuge on college premises and was only able to leave, in camouflage, after five hours of fighting between locals and police authorities.
Police were prompted to use tear gas in attempts to disperse the protestors, who, nonetheless, continued to persist in the goal of lynching their target.
Three civilians and two policemen were injured in the clashes, while the alleged rapist remains in custody and will await judicial proceedings regarding his case.