A young man known as Pedrito, from the Reparto Eléctrico neighborhood in Havana, has been discharged from the hospital following 18 days of treatment for severe injuries he sustained while defending two youths from a street robbery, including the loss of a hand.
The news was shared by a neighbor, Susuky Vilanova, on the Facebook group "Gentes del Reparto Eléctrico," stating: "Pedrito, who defended the two young guys whose phones were being snatched on 5th Street, has finally been discharged after 18 days in the hospital. Friends, neighbors, and others can now visit him at home."
The incident took place on 5th Street in the Reparto Eléctrico area, Arroyo Naranjo municipality, south of Havana, when Pedrito stepped in to prevent thieves from stealing the cell phones of two young people.
During the altercation, Pedrito lost a hand, a fact confirmed by several neighbors in comments on the post. "May God bless this young man who, during the confrontation, lost a limb and endured such trauma. Truly a hero, strength and blessings to him," wrote Alian Tamayo Moj.
The image accompanying the discharge announcement shows Pedrito sitting on a hospital bed with a bandage on his right hand, wearing a white T-shirt and cap, appearing calm.
The post triggered an outpouring of reactions from neighbors, friends, and strangers who praised his bravery. "It's heartbreaking that someone loses something as invaluable as a hand over material possessions. Blessings to you Pedrito, stay strong," lamented one user.
Many comments also pointed to the lack of police response. "And the police are just having a snack," commented one user, while another Cuban noted: "Poor guy, look how they left him. The laws need to change."
Pedrito's case is not unique. In January 2024, gang members severed the right hand of David Enrique Perdomo Álvarez, a 26-year-old lineman for the Electric Company in Santiago de Cuba. That young man responded bravely: "I'm alive and will keep moving forward."
Violent robberies of cell phones have become one of the most common crimes in Havana. In January 2025, 21-year-old Yoandri Giménez was fatally stabbed in Centro Habana for his phone. In February of the same year, a young man serving in the military met the same fate in the capital.
Crime statistics in Cuba indicate a growing public security crisis. According to the Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audits, 2,833 verified crimes were recorded across the island in 2025, a 115% increase from 2024. Robberies topped the list with 1,536 cases, a 479% rise since 2023, with Havana as the third most affected province, recording 398 crimes.
Understanding Crime in Havana
What happened to Pedrito in Havana?
Pedrito was injured while defending two young people from a street robbery in Havana, resulting in the loss of his hand.
Why was Pedrito considered a hero?
Pedrito is seen as a hero for bravely intervening in a robbery attempt to protect others, despite suffering severe injuries.
How has crime in Havana changed recently?
Crime, particularly violent robberies, has escalated in Havana, contributing to a significant increase in reported crimes across Cuba.