Puerto Morelos, Q.R. — The attempted robbery of a Puerto Morelos jewelry store left one officer injured and one suspect in custody. Authorities intensified the highway police filter at Playa del Carmen Thursday in search of the vehicle used in the attempted heist.
At least two individuals attempted to rob the Matisses & Co. Puerto Morelos jewelry store shortly before 9:30 Thursday morning. Authorities were made aware of the robbery by witnesses after the thieves physically assaulted two store employees with the butts of their weapons.
Police began a highway search for their vehicle after the would-be thieves made their escape. A police red code was activated following reports of a confrontation between police and armed individuals.
State and municipal authorities participated in the highway search for the vehicle involved, which lead to an exchange of gunfire. One police officer was injured by a bullet and transferred to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
One male involved in the exchange of gunfire with police identified as Johan Diego “N” was arrested after being captured on a dirt road that ran off the highway. He is reported to have been injured during the shootout with police and transferred to hospital under police guard. He was taken into custody after being discharged.
On Thursday, the SSC of Playa del Carmen reported intensifying their highway filter in search of others involved in the heist. The assaulted employees were treated by paramedics for facial injuries. Neither required a hospital transfer.
The ongoing investigation is being lead by authorities in Cancun and Puerto Morelos.
