3 robbers killed in clashes with police after failed heist attempt in Dominican Republic

Three alleged members of an armed group were killed in separate shootouts with police following a failed attempt to rob a money-transfer office in the southern province of Azua, authorities said.

According to a preliminary police report, five men arrived at a Caribe Express remittance branch located at kilometer 11 in Sabana Yegua on Thursday. They were dressed in black, wore hoods and bulletproof vests, and carried firearms, including a rifle. They tried to force their way into the secure area by smashing glass with a crowbar and assaulting staff, including knocking down and beating an employee identified as Aquino in an effort to open a security door. The attackers failed to access the money and fled after stealing a security guard’s firearm and wallet.

Police from the Central Directorate of Investigation (Dicrim) and preventive units launched a pursuit. Officers located part of the group near the Estebanía bridge, where a shootout left one suspect dead and another in custody. The chase continued to a wooded area in Palmar de Ocoa, where the remaining suspects, still traveling in a white Honda CR-V, exchanged fire with police. Two more men were wounded and later died while receiving medical treatment.

The final toll was three suspected robbers killed, one arrested, and a fifth still at large. Authorities recovered a rifle, three pistols, 85 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two bulletproof vests, ski masks, hooded jackets, multiple cell phones, and two Honda CR-V vehicles, among other evidence. Police are continuing the search for the fugitive and further investigation into the case.

The incident occurred on September 11, 2026.