Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — The City of Playa del Carmen has confirmed the suspension of five police officers. The officers were officially suspended Wednesday after a medical report revealed a man in their custody died of unnatural causes.
The five SSC (Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana) officers, who have not been named, were part of the Sunday afternoon arrest of a local fisherman from his boat. The 33 year old man was taken into custody in central Playa del Carmen around 4:00 p.m. after public reports of his aggressiveness.
Police arrived and proceeded to arrest him. At the time of his arrest, from his behavior, he was determined to have been under a substance influence. He was transferred to the city jail then hospital less than two hours later where he died.
A medical examine has since revealed that 33 year old Pablo “B” died of asphyxiation and a severe head fracture. According to the medical report, asphyxia and bronchoaspiration were the primary causes of death with “other causes” listed as intracranial hemorrhage and severe head trauma.
In a statement, Ayuntamiento de Playa Del Carmen reported “To the people of Playa del Carmen: The Playa del Carmen Government informs that five members of the Secretariat of Citizen Security have been preemptively suspended from their positions in connection with an investigation into the death of a person in the federal maritime land zone and CTM Avenue on September 21.
“The measure was determined by the Council of Honor and Justice, at the request of the Directorate of Internal Affairs, in order to determine responsibility and guarantee due process.
“The City Council reiterates its cooperation with the ministerial authorities in charge of the investigation, ensuring transparency and impartiality at all times. There will be no impunity or cover-up. Accountability is a commitment of this government.”
