A suspected robber was caught in the act of stealing a phone in the Sueño neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba, ending up tied and confronted by locals before being handed over to the police. The incident was brought to light by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who reported that it took place on Calle B, between 4th and 5th streets in the mentioned area.
According to the report, several young residents intercepted the alleged thief, restrained him with ropes, and directly challenged him, choosing to "take justice into their own hands" amid growing frustration over crime in the region. A video of the incident is circulating on social media, initially appearing staged due to its tone and setup. However, a close-up of the suspect’s face reveals a bloodied upper lip, indicating he might have been beaten during the community intervention.
Mayeta Labrada's account notes that the man was subsequently taken to the 4th Police Station located in the Santa Bárbara district. The event has sparked a flurry of reactions online. Some users commend the locals' actions as self-defense against perceived official inaction, while others caution against the danger of resorting to vigilante justice.
To date, there has been no official statement from authorities regarding the incident, nor any information on whether the detainee will face formal charges. This event follows closely on the heels of another similar case in central Santiago de Cuba, where citizens detained a snatcher after a street robbery. That incident, also caught on video on May 15, involved residents holding the suspect until police arrived.
In another episode in Holguín on May 10, an attempted robbery turned violent when a man was injured with a knife and machete after confronting residents who thwarted his criminal act. It's evident that both in Santiago de Cuba and other parts of the country, perceived insecurity and impunity are prompting citizens to directly confront crime, signaling a dangerous trend fueled by desperation, frustration, and lack of protection.
Community Response to Crime in Cuba
What actions did the locals take against the suspected thief in Santiago de Cuba?
Locals intercepted the suspected thief, tied him with ropes, and confronted him before handing him over to the police.
How have online users reacted to the incident?
Reactions on social media have been mixed, with some applauding the locals' actions as necessary self-defense, while others warn against the dangers of extrajudicial measures.
Has there been any official response from authorities?
As of now, there has been no official statement from the authorities regarding the incident or any charges against the suspect.