By: “Manuel Peralta”
La Romana. – Relatives of the young Gabriel de la Cruz Montas, known as “La Grasa,” requested a thorough and transparent investigation after he was seriously injured by a gunshot in an incident that occurred on Saturday around 3:00 p.m. on Padre Abreu Avenue, Los Rieles sector, in La Romana.
According to testimonies and a video circulating on social media, two National Police officers collided head-on with the young man while attempting to overtake a van, causing a minor collision. Witnesses indicate that, after the impact, Gabriel got up and approached the officers to ask if they were okay.
According to those present, when the young man turned to leave, one of the police officers shot him in the back, wounding him in the spine. Currently, Gabriel remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
Although the agents allege that the shot was accidental, the images released show the police officer taking out his weapon and firing directly, which has generated concern and outrage in the community.
You can also read: García drives Giants’ 3-2 victory over Toros in La Romana | De Último Minuto
The young man’s family demanded that the competent authorities guarantee the application of the law and prevent the case from going unpunished. They indicated that events like this highlight the need to strengthen police protocols and ensure that the use of force is proportional and justified.
Likewise, they called on the media and society to remain vigilant and disseminate the case responsibly to ensure that Gabriel’s rights are respected and that the corresponding responsibilities are established.
Here’s the full complaint filed by the victim’s brother, shared by the family:
“I am requesting your help: those two police officers crashed head-on with my brother when they were trying to pass a truck; it was a minor collision and a common accident. My brother gets up and goes to ask them if they are okay, and the police officer, without saying a word, when my brother turns around and turns his back on them, shoots him in the spine. Now he is in intensive care, seriously ill, and the police officers claim that the shot ‘went off’ and that it was unintentional, but in the video it is clearly seen that the police officer takes out his weapon and shoots him without compassion. We want you to help us spread this information so that justice is done and those police officers don’t get away with it.”
