Police dismantle alleged criminal network after Bávaro operation

Santo Domingo.- Two Haitians identified by the National Police as alleged leaders of a criminal organization were killed during a police operation in Bávaro-Friusa, La Altagracia province, while two other suspected members were arrested.

The deceased were identified as Leroy Arson, alias Trenzas or Benzo, and Charli Patrick, known as Omega or Wilkin. According to police, both were traveling in a vehicle when they allegedly opened fire on officers attempting to stop them.

The other suspects, Pierre Charles Everson, 40, and Yaquelin Castillo, 26, were arrested during the investigation. Everson was detained while allegedly attempting to break into a remittance office in Las Lagunas de Nisibón using hydraulic equipment. Castillo was arrested after investigators reportedly linked her to communications with one of the alleged gang leaders.

The National Police’s Central Directorate of Criminal Investigation (Dicrim) linked the organization to several break-ins and robberies targeting financial institutions in La Vega and Higüey, as well as a hardware store in Las Lagunas de Nisibón.

Authorities seized a 9mm pistol, a Hyundai Sonata allegedly used by the suspects, hydraulic jacks, cutting tools, gloves, balaclavas, and other equipment believed to have been used in the crimes.

Investigations remain underway to identify and locate other alleged members of the organization.