Police kill a young man in Mendoza, Santo Domingo Este

An 18-year-old man, Nathanael Elena Matos, died on Thursday after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds from agents of the Central Directorate of Investigations (Dicrim) in the Mendoza sector of Santo Domingo Este. The young man passed away while receiving medical attention, according to the institution.

The incident, which occurred on Benigno Castro Street, involved what the National Police spokesperson, Diego Pesqueira, described as an "exchange of gunfire" between Elena Matos and the Dicrim agents. The police stated that Nathanael was wanted in connection with several complaints and had an active arrest warrant. During the operation, authorities reported seizing a Glock 9mm pistol, three shell casings, and a motorcycle that was allegedly reported stolen.

A video circulating on social media captures the moments after the shooting. In the footage, several agents are seen placing Elena Matos's body, covered by a white sheet, into the back of a police vehicle. Community members are visible in the background, recording the scene as the officers quickly depart. Another individual is seen standing in the street, observing the patrol car leave with the body.

This death adds to a growing number of fatalities during police interventions in the Dominican Republic. Official statistics indicate that at least 145 people have died at the hands of National Police agents between January and July of this year, categorized as "legal action" and often presented as the result of alleged shootouts. The number of such deaths in the first half of 2026 has increased by 16.4% compared to the same period in 2025.

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The prime minister may have invited the concerned parties for discussions and suggestions on the passport issue. We also participated in the discussion. Some areas requiring improvement were identified, and some improvements were subsequently made.