2024News

Police sargeant accused of killing man after minor traffic nudge

Alejandro Almonte / Listín Diario

The National Police has released a video showing the chilling moments leading up to the fatal shooting of 28-year old Wendel Alejandro Almonte Veloz, son of renowned journalist Alejandro Almonte. The incident took place on the early morning of Saturday, 12 October 2024 on the Charles de Gaulle Avenue in Santo Domingo East.

The video reveals that the suspect, identified as 36-year-old police sergeant Rafael Laureano de los Santos, alias “Cabito,” intentionally cut off Almonte’s vehicle before launching a relentless pursuit. The sergeant, who worked as a driver in the administrative area of the Police, is now a fugitive.

According to Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira, the two vehicles initially had a minor altercation before the chase ensued. At approximately 7:47am on Saturday, 12 October, the motorcyclist pulled out a firearm and opened fire on Almonte’s red Hyundai Elantra, forcing the vehicle to crash into a utility pole. Almonte was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Almonte’s father, Alejandro, had publicly accused a member of the National Police of being responsible for his son’s death.

The Police called for Rafael Laureano de los Santos to turn himself in. His house was raided on Tuesday as part of the investigation.

The incident occurs at a time when the Abinader administration is investing heavily in Police reform.

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DR1 News

16 October 2024