Wave of violence shakes the Dominican Republic during the second weekend of September
The Dominican territory experienced a weekend marked by a worrying escalation of violence. Between Friday, September 11, and Sunday, September 13, different parts of the country were the scene of shootings, homicides, armed robberies, and direct confrontations between alleged criminals and National Police agents, leaving a tragic toll of deaths and injuries.
Tragedy in Boca Chica
One of the most critical episodes occurred in the Los Coquitos sector, Boca Chica, where an armed attack ended the lives of two people and left five others injured. The fatal victims were identified as urban artist Jesús Alexis Delgado Ortiz, known artistically as Diddy Glow (31 years old), and Jonathan Villanueva, alias “Cotuí” (26 years old). Authorities are investigating the motive for the event, pointing to the possibility of personal feuds dating back a year.
Police operations and clashes in several provinces
Security forces reported multiple interventions that culminated in the death of several suspects:
- Azua: Three alleged robbers died after attempting to hold up a Caribe Express branch in Sabana Yegua. After disarming a security guard, a pursuit began that led to shootouts in Estebanía and Palmar de Ocoa.
- Santiago: Edilio Rafael Salcedo Paulino, linked to multiple robberies, was killed in Villa Liberación during an exchange of gunfire with DICRIM agents. On the other hand, Branly Manuel Veras Torres and Alfredo Acevedo Peña were captured, identified for robberies on the Gregorio Luperón Tourist Highway.
- Santo Domingo East: Two alleged antisocials lost their lives during a police intervention early Saturday morning.
Other unfortunate facts
Violence also claimed the life of teenager Zaidy Fragoso Lizardo (17), who was found lifeless in the Alma Rosa sector. In this case, authorities arrested Luis Miguel Santiago Guzmán, who is identified as the main suspect. Likewise, in Serrallés, young Gustavo Adolfo III Mejía-Ricart Risk was the victim of a brutal stabbing attack by a motorcyclist, a case that remains under investigation.
The frequency of these events has reignited the national debate on citizen security and the urgency of strengthening crime prevention and control strategies throughout the Dominican territory.
Blow to drug trafficking
In the realm of organized crime, the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), together with the Navy and the Air Force, intercepted a Go Fast type vessel south of Punta Salinas, Baní. In the operation, 595 packages of alleged cocaine were seized and three foreign crew members were arrested: two Colombians and one Venezuelan.
The authorities are keeping investigations open in each of these files to clarify the exact circumstances and ensure that those responsible face the corresponding legal consequences.
