Dominican Police Deny Shoot-to-Kill Directive Despite 55 Deaths in September Confrontations

The Dominican National Police spokesman Colonel Diego Pesqueira rejected claims of an official kill order for wanted suspects, following reports that 55 deaths—representing 44% of September's 125 homicides—occurred during alleged gunfire exchanges with officers. Deaths were reported across the country including the popular tourist area of Verón-Punta Cana and regions near the Haitian border, affecting both Dominican citizens and raising concerns among American visitors. The September homicide rate increased 34.4% compared to the same month in 2025, while robberies fell significantly by 38.6%, with investigations still pending on whether prosecutors will examine the police-involved deaths.

The Dominican National Police reported a significant surge in September homicides, with deaths occurring across multiple provinces including the eastern coastal region frequented by international tourists and areas bordering Haiti. Police statistics indicate that 55 of the month's 125 recorded deaths—comprising 44 percent—resulted from confrontations classified as police action involving suspects armed with weapons. The force noted that over 120 individuals with outstanding arrest warrants surrendered during the same period, many voluntarily.

The escalation represents a notable year-over-year increase in lethal violence, though robbery rates declined substantially during the same timeframe. The distribution of deaths across at least 12 provinces suggests widespread security challenges affecting multiple regions simultaneously.