Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — The Secretary of Citizen Security (SSC) of Playa del Carmen has announced the death of an officer. Pablo Torres de la Cruz was killed Wednesday night while responding to a report of domestic violence.
Police were at the scene of the private home in Villas del Sol after midnight Wednesday in response to a man assaulting a woman. The assaulted woman, the man’s wife, made the call to emergency services.
When police arrived, they began a search for the man she claimed assaulted her. The man was located escaping on a motorcycle. Police chased after him at which time they were fired upon. Two officers were reported hit by bullets from the fleeing man. One officer, Pablo Torres de la Cruz, was killed. The second, reported to be a state officer, was saved by his bullet proof vest.
“With deep respect, we bid farewell to Officer Pablo Torres de la Cruz, who lost his life in the line of duty. Pablo dedicated more than seven years to serving with courage and commitment in the Playa del Carmen Preventive Police. Loyal to his principles and steadfast in his calling to protect our community.
“Today we remember him as a hero who gave his life for others. His legacy will live on in every action we take in the name of safety and service. Rest in peace, Pablo. We will not forget your dedication,” the SSC Playa del Carmen posted Thursday morning.
The incident occurred just before 1:00 a.m. The man who fired the shots at officers was killed when police repelled the gunfire. Playa del Carmen City Hall also released a statement regarding the death of Playa del Carmen fallen officer Pablo Torres de la Cruz.
“A member of the Playa del Carmen Municipal Police lost his life in the line of duty after being cowardly attacked while on patrol in Villas del Sol.
“The Playa del Carmen Government expresses its solidarity with the family of the fallen officer and reiterates its unwavering commitment to continue working for the safety of all Playa del Carmen families. We will not take a step back. Truth and justice will always prevail,” Playa del Carmen City Hall posted Thursday in an official statement.
According to the City Hall statement, the woman and her minor child were taken into custody from the scene of the home Wednesday night. The woman was arrested. The child was taken into protective custody. Both the man and woman involved in the dispute were reportedly armed.
The man accused of shooting Playa del Carmen police officer Pablo Torres de la Cruz has been identified as 30 year old Asunción “T” originally from the state of Tabasco. His 30 year old wife, Magdaleno “G”, also from Tabasco, remains in police custody.
