In the early hours of Sunday morning, firefighters were dispatched to the residence of Cuban musician David Calzado, who leads the celebrated band "La Charanga Habanera." The emergency response was prompted by reports of smoke billowing from the second floor of his home situated in the Playa municipality of Havana.
Witnesses quoted by the Facebook page La Tijera described hearing cries from inside the house, such as "We have to break the wall!" accompanied by loud banging noises. This has sparked suspicions of a potential robbery attempt.
Upon arrival, the emergency teams discovered the residence deserted, suggesting that those involved might have fled before they arrived. La Tijera emphasized that both David Calzado and his family were not present at the time of the incident.
The report included photos showing a water tanker at the scene of Calzado's home. Commentators online highlighted the growing security concerns facing the Cuban populace, underscored by frequent reports of theft and other crimes.
This incident at David Calzado's residence is not isolated but part of a troubling surge in criminal activities across the nation. Recently, a medical clinic in Santiago de Cuba suffered repeated thefts, with culprits stealing medications, equipment, and personal belongings from healthcare staff, compromising a vital community resource.
In Havana, authorities apprehended a young man who had stolen an electric scooter in broad daylight. Surveillance footage helped identify the suspect, who had a history of similar offenses, underscoring the prevailing sense of impunity in the capital.
Crime-related violence is also escalating. A Cuban woman reported a violent robbery while riding her scooter, during which an assailant forcefully attacked her and stole her vehicle. The incident sparked outrage on social media, with the victim offering a reward for the recovery of her property, frustrated by the authorities' inefficacy.
In another recent event in Santiago, a suspected thief was caught trying to escape with stolen items. The neighborhood's swift action nearly resulted in the individual being lynched by residents, who voiced their frustration over the rampant thefts and inadequate state response. Police only arrived after the community had subdued the suspect.
Cuban Crime Wave: Key Questions Answered
What prompted the emergency response at David Calzado's home?
Firefighters responded due to reports of smoke coming from the second floor of the musician's residence, raising suspicions of a possible robbery attempt.
Was anyone injured or present during the incident?
No injuries were reported as the home was empty at the time. David Calzado and his family were not present during the incident.
What other crimes have been reported in Cuba recently?
Recent crimes include repeated thefts at a medical clinic in Santiago de Cuba and the robbery of an electric scooter in Havana. Both incidents reflect a broader trend of increasing crime.