Lorenzo Machaca, the National Police non-commissioned officer who stopped a gunman that killed six people, on Tuesday was decorated by Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski for his brave action.
The Head of State highlighted the young agent's dauntless move to take down the attacker, thus protecting several citizens.
"First of all, I'd like to congratulate Lorenzo for the courage displayed in Independencia [district]. He saw someone shooting people, drew his gun and did what he had to do. And I praise him for that," Mr. Kuczynski expressed.
Officer Machaca was walking down Royal Plaza shopping center in Lima's Independencia district on February 17 —his scheduled day off— when street vendor Eduardo Romero opened fire.
Romero had previously shot municipality enforcement manager Martin Moreno on a different location. Moreno passed away days later as a result of gun-shot wounds.
The ceremony saw the presence of high-ranking National Police officers, as well as children participating in the institution's summer vacation program. It was held at the Government Palace.
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