Driver who struck Digesett agent in Santo Domingo sentenced to two years in prison
The Dominican justice system has issued an exemplary ruling following a serious traffic incident that occurred in Ensanche Luperón. The Eighth Criminal Chamber of the Court of First Instance of the National District handed down a two-year prison sentence against Otilio Piña De La Cruz, who was found guilty of striking an agent of the General Directorate of Traffic and Land Transportation Safety (Digesett).
The incident, recorded on August 24, 2025, took place when the convicted individual ignored a red traffic signal and, upon being intercepted by the authorities, decided to flee in a violent manner. The affected officer, identified as Ariel Mueses José, was intentionally struck by the driver after a brief pause in his movement.
Judgment details and financial penalties
- Deprivation of liberty: Two years of imprisonment at the Najayo Men’s Correction and Rehabilitation Center, in San Cristóbal.
- Economic compensation: The sentenced individual must pay the sum of RD$1 million to the victim.
- Accessory measure: The court ordered the definitive confiscation of the vehicle involved in the incident in favor of the Dominican State.
During the judicial process, the Public Prosecutor’s Office managed to prove the criminal responsibility of Piña De La Cruz under the legal qualification of attempted homicide. Litigating prosecutor Carlenny Camilo presented a robust file composed of testimonial, documentary, and audiovisual evidence that confirmed that the defendant deliberately accelerated toward the officer before fleeing the scene.
Judge Diana Moreno based the conviction on the violation of articles 2, 295, and 304 of the Dominican Penal Code, as well as the failure to comply with the regulations established in Law 63-17 on Mobility, Land Transportation, Transit, and Road Safety.
This case underscores the importance of respecting traffic authorities and the legal consequences that come with putting the physical integrity of officers at risk while they fulfill their duty to protect road safety in the country.
