Increase in shootings and violent incidents in Puerto Plata is worrying

PUERTO PLATA. – Social conflicts that end in gunfire have increased in recent days in this jurisdiction, leaving a worrying number of dead and wounded, which is generating alarm among the residents of “The Bride of the Atlantic”.

Despite preventive operations carried out by the National Police and other state security agencies, violent incidents involving firearms continue to occur with increasing frequency in various sectors of Puerto Plata.

The most recent case occurred Wednesday night, when a shooting sparked panic in the Playa Oeste sector, specifically at the intersection of 8th and 12th streets.
In the incident, 13-year-old Enmanuel David Valdez Peña lost his life, and an 8-year-old boy was seriously injured, after a shootout involving Luis Miguel Parra Martínez, Yorkis José Sena González (Napo), and Víctor Manuel Martínez, who clashed like something out of an old Western movie.

Another similar incident occurred last weekend when 19-year-old Orbis Tavárez Sánchez (El Mello) was killed in front of an auto repair shop after being shot in the head during a confusing incident on 3rd Street in the Invi neighborhood.
The shooting was attributed to 25-year-old José Eduardo Estrella Clase (El Pupi) and 22-year-old Starlin Alberto Almonte Estrella (Yogui), who were allegedly involved in an argument over an illegal motorcycle race in Cofresí.

Meanwhile, on Monday night, another violent incident occurred on 4th Street in the El Javillar neighborhood, where Delvin Ventura (El Flaco) was shot in the lower back while standing in front of his home.
Investigations point to Anferni Padilla as the alleged assailant, who fled in an SUV after the shooting, according to witnesses.

These events have put the public on alert, who are demanding a greater police presence and stricter controls on the possession and use of firearms in the province.