Maracaibo merchant arrested for assaulting customer over currency dispute

Luis Ramírez, a 50-year-old merchant, was arrested in Maracaibo, Venezuela, after allegedly assaulting a customer at his piñata shop. The incident occurred in the Casco Central area on Calle Derecha.

According to reports from the Maracaibo Police, the conflict began when the customer attempted to pay for a piñata using a bank transfer in national currency (Bolívares). Ramírez had reportedly demanded payment exclusively in U.S. dollars in cash. When the customer could not provide cash, Ramírez allegedly reacted violently, seized the merchandise, and pushed the woman with enough force that she struck a gate of the establishment.

Following a formal complaint by the victim, police officers arrived at the scene and detained Ramírez. He was taken to the Doctor Urquinaona Hospital for a routine medical evaluation before being transferred to the Northeast Police Coordination Center at Parque Vereda del Lago. The case has been handed over to the Public Ministry for further investigation.