Game ends in kidnapping: CEO chases children while threatening them with a gun

A 47-year-old businessman residing in the city of Vitacura, near the Chilean capital of Santiago, remains in custody pending trial following a serious indictment for the kidnapping of seven children, making death threats, and causing bodily harm.

According to a report by the Chilean news outlet BioBioChile, the incident occurred on the night of July 10. A group of students was playing "Rin Rin Raja"—the South American version of "ding-dong ditch," where children ring a doorbell and flee. After the children rang the suspect's doorbell for the second time, the businessman pursued them in his SUV.

Escaping from a moving vehicle

Investigation materials indicate that the suspect chased the seven children through nearby streets, caught two of them, assaulted them, and forced them into his vehicle before rounding up the rest of the group. During the turbulent drive, two of the children managed to open the back door and jump from the moving vehicle to escape.

The five children remaining in the car were subjected to harrowing threats: the suspect brandished a firearm and threatened to kill them until he eventually released them on a nearby street. The entire incident was captured by local security cameras, and the footage has been submitted to investigators.

Following the event, 12 parents filed a criminal complaint against the suspect for kidnapping, assault, threats, and illegal possession of a weapon. Prosecutor Rodrigo Mana stated that testimonies from the minors are being collected with professional support to mitigate further trauma.

In parallel with the criminal proceedings, "Restomarket," a company specializing in the import and marketing of equipment for the restaurant and hospitality industry, announced the immediate suspension of the suspect, who served as its CEO. The company stated that the decision was made as soon as the details of the incident came to light.