Peravia province sees two deaths in police operation in Nizao

Two young men, identified as Wander Cuevas, alias ‘El Poli’, and an individual known as ‘Skari Mecánico’, died following a police operation in the Don Gregorio community of Nizao, Peravia province. Authorities from the Central Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DICRIM) described the incident as a suspected confrontation that took place in a wooded area near the Nizao River.

These deaths bring the total number of people killed by police in Peravia province to four within a 15-day period. Cuevas was reportedly wanted in connection with a shooting that occurred in September during local patron saint festivities.

On a broader scale, the Dominican Republic has seen a significant rise in fatalities during alleged exchanges of gunfire with police. In the first week of October alone, 15 civilians have died in such incidents, following a September that saw 58 deaths under similar circumstances. While police often report that suspects fired at officers during arrest attempts, the frequency of these events has drawn attention to police conduct in the region.