Police reject accusations of looting by officers during store fire

National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira strongly refuted claims that officers looted appliances from a store during a fire, labeling the accusations as irresponsible and damaging to the institution's reputation.

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Some irresponsible media published something that, honestly, I still cannot explain, and I say this based on my 30 years of experience in the media. Publishing something of that nature can do so much harm.

Pesqueira explained that images showing appliances being transported in police vehicles depicted recovered items, not stolen goods. He asserted that officers apprehended 17 individuals caught in the act of looting the L & R store following the blaze. The operation, ordered by Police Director General Major General Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz, aimed to secure the premises and prevent further theft.

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We had about 17 people detained who were arrested in the act while carrying furnishings and appliances.

The police successfully recovered 170 items, including furnishings and appliances. These were moved to a police station in coordination with the store's owners to prevent damage or further pilfering. Pesqueira expressed dismay that social media and some media outlets misrepresented the recovery effort as looting by police officers, emphasizing the officers' dedication to protecting property.

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We could not leave them abandoned in a place.

He confirmed that the 17 arrested individuals were handed over to the Public Ministry for prosecution, though he did not have an exact number of charges. Pesqueira lamented the negative impact these false reports had on the officers who risked their lives during the operation.

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Imagine how those police officers feel who risked their lives to protect property and then, after they were doing their job, it is published that they are looting. It is something that really affected us greatly and we hope that such situations do not occur.