San Francisco de Macoris police confrontation leaves one dead

A police operation in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, resulted in the death of 29-year-old Alfonso Ortega Valerio, known as “Pocholo,” following a confrontation with investigators from the Central Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DICRIM).

The incident occurred in the Las Colinas sector during an investigation into the murder of Juan Francisco Hiciano Reynoso, also known as “Yunito.” According to police reports, officers approached a suspected drug distribution point when Ortega Valerio allegedly opened fire, prompting officers to return fire. Ortega Valerio died at the Dr. Ángel María Gatón Regional University Hospital.

Authorities seized a 9mm Glock pistol and various quantities of suspected narcotics, including marijuana, cocaine, crack, and molly, during the intervention. Three individuals, Luis Robilan Muñoz Castillo, Dariel Ramos Reyes, and Jence José Burgos Reyes, were detained and are being held for processing.

The initial murder of Hiciano Reynoso, who was killed by three unidentified suspects in the San Pedro sector, is believed to be linked to disputes over the control of illegal drug sales. The victim's wife reportedly received calls prior to the killing requesting that her husband surrender a firearm and a bulletproof vest.