In a brazen armed robbery, three young individuals with concealed faces targeted a private ice cream factory in the Amistad Final area of Cárdenas, Matanzas, this past Sunday. The violent incident took place around 4:20 p.m.
According to accounts shared on social media and posted by Christian Arbolaez on Facebook, the assailants knocked on the factory's gate. Once it was opened, they forcefully entered, brandishing a gun and a knife.
Inside, they restrained and gagged the owner’s father while stripping the employees of their jewelry, even injuring their hands in the process of removing the items.
The thieves also seized cash from everyone present and took the keys to an electric scooter from one worker. They attempted to escape using the scooter but abandoned it shortly after.
During their escape, the robbers attacked a cyclist, knocking him off his bike and continuing their flight using that means.
The Revolutionary National Police (PNR) swiftly deployed operational forces to the area, primarily to secure the firearm involved. Later updates confirmed that the MININT delegate arrived at the scene with specialized units, including search dogs, to track down the culprits.
Locals reported that one suspect was apprehended in the San José and Tenería area and taken away in a patrol car, while the operation persisted to capture the remaining suspects.
This incident adds to a series of violent episodes in the city. Just days ago, masked individuals armed with weapons robbed two women in public in Cárdenas, and a few months prior, a blind retiree known as Pablito died after being assaulted during another robbery in the same area.
The event sparked outrage on social media, with comments highlighting both the concern over rising violence and skepticism about the authorities, especially as Matanzas leads Cuba's crime statistics.
"The police don't seem concerned about the thefts; what matters to them is the firearm reportedly involved in this case. Robberies occur daily, both violent and non-violent, but such a police presence is rarely seen," one user commented.
Understanding the Rise in Crime in Cárdenas
What happened during the armed robbery in Cárdenas?
Three masked individuals robbed a private ice cream factory in Cárdenas, Matanzas, using a gun and a knife. They restrained the owner's father, stole jewelry from employees, and attempted to flee on an electric scooter they later abandoned.
How did the police respond to the Cárdenas robbery?
The Revolutionary National Police deployed operational forces to secure the area, focusing on the firearm involved. The MININT delegate and specialized units, including search dogs, joined the efforts to apprehend the suspects.
What has been the public's reaction to the rise in crime?
Public outrage is growing, with many expressing concern over the escalating violence and distrust towards the authorities. Social media reflects these sentiments, particularly in light of Matanzas leading in crime statistics across Cuba.