A young man in Camagüey suffered a broken arm after an alleged assailant hurled a piece of marble at him, knocking him off his motorcycle in an attempt to steal it.
According to a report shared on Saturday by Cuban journalist José L. Tan Estrada, the incident took place in front of the Palacio de los Pioneros. The victim, identified as Víctor Jonhson Pimentel, stated that similar incidents had occurred in the area before.
Pimentel recounted that the attacker aimed the stone directly at his head, seemingly intending to unseat him from his motorcycle and take possession of the vehicle.
In an instinctive move to protect himself, the young man raised his arm, absorbing the impact and resulting in a fracture. "It's a miracle they didn't kill me," he remarked, reflecting on the violent nature of the assault.
The object used in the attack was reportedly a piece of marble.
Rising Crime Concerns in Camagüey
The Camagüey authorities have acknowledged growing concern over crime in the region. An official review of the first half of 2026 reported more than 600 violations in the provincial capital, with 40% involving violent thefts, crimes against individuals, and livestock theft in various forms.
Amid Cuba's severe economic and social crisis, reports of violent robberies involving motorcycles, motorbikes, and electric bicycles have surged in Camagüey and other provinces. These thefts often involve physical assaults to deprive victims of their vehicles.
In August, Camagüey police publicly returned an electric motorbike stolen during an armed robbery near the Plaza de la Revolución Mayor General Ignacio Agramonte. The report stated that two men had threatened the owner with knives, forcing him to hand over the vehicle.
Hours later, news emerged of a motorcycle and an electric bicycle being stolen from a private parking lot in the city, reigniting residents' complaints about insecurity in these areas.
Widespread Theft and Violence
In September, another Camagüey resident offered a half-million peso reward after a man allegedly posed as a buyer and fled with his motorcycle. The report suggested that the supposed buyer had thrown the owner from the vehicle during the ride and escaped with it.
Violent incidents related to vehicle theft have also resulted in severe injuries. In April, a woman was left in critical condition after being attacked with a knife near the Camagüey Railway Terminal in a bicycle robbery. This was the second violent robbery reported in that area within a week.
Similar episodes have been documented outside Camagüey as well. In August, a 25-year-old in Vedado, Havana, reported being stabbed by two hooded individuals who stole his motorcycle. One assailant attempted to stab him in the chest, ultimately striking his arm instead.
Understanding the Crime Wave in Camagüey
What prompted the attack on Víctor Jonhson Pimentel?
The assailant threw a piece of marble intending to unseat him from his motorcycle and steal it.
What measures are authorities taking to address the crime increase in Camagüey?
Authorities have acknowledged the issue and are likely reviewing strategies to enhance security, although specific measures were not detailed in the report.
Are these types of crimes common in other parts of Cuba?
Yes, similar violent robberies of motorcycles and other vehicles have been reported in various regions beyond Camagüey, such as Havana.