SAA event in Dominican Republic on Mon 14th September 2026

Three suspects were killed and one was arrested after a failed robbery at a Caribe Express branch in Sabana Yegua, Azua, following two confrontations with National Police officers. Two others remain at large. The dead were identified as Danny Braulio Contreras; Estarling Leonel Peñaló, alias “El Santiaguero”; and Pedro Luis Paredes. Police detained Sandy Alberto Samboy Garó and are searching for Michael López Urbáez, alias “Cachón,” and Smarling Andrés de León Hidalgo. The group arrived in a white Honda CR-V wearing black clothing, hoods, and bulletproof vests and carrying heavy weapons. They tried to reach the cash area; one used a crowbar to smash the glass protecting the cashier while others subdued and assaulted the security guard. They failed to get the money but disarmed the guard and stole his wallet before fleeing. DICRIM and Preventive Police officers later located part of the group near the Estebanía bridge, where a first shootout left one suspect dead and another in custody. The chase continued to Palmar de Ocoa, where a second exchange of fire wounded two more men, who later died while receiving medical care. Authorities seized one rifle, three pistols, two bulletproof vests, ski masks, five hooded jackets, five cell phones, rifle and pistol magazines, 85 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two Honda CR-V vehicles, and other evidence.