A doctor from Santiago de Cuba, identified as Yaniel Rivera Boza, found himself in a dramatic pursuit after a young man snatched his cellphone. With the assistance of neighbors responding to his calls for help, Rivera Boza chased the thief across several streets until he successfully reclaimed his phone.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday night along Celda Street, as reported on Facebook by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
Known locally as "Boza," Rivera Boza is known for running an extension cord from his home to allow neighbors to charge their phones, fans, and other devices during frequent power outages. He even provides outdoor lighting to support his community. It was in this environment of neighborly trust that the theft occurred. Initially thinking it was a prank, Rivera Boza realized the seriousness when he saw the young man sprinting away and promptly gave chase.
Community Response to Rising Crime
The chase spanned several streets: the thief attempted to flee from Celda to Trocha and then onto Pizarro, with Rivera Boza loudly calling for assistance. His cries rallied local residents, who joined in the pursuit and managed to intercept the young man, recovering the phone. According to Mayeta Labrada, two individuals were involved in the theft, but only one was caught. The second suspect managed to escape.
In a follow-up post, the captured individual was identified as Víctor Medina, based on information from people who recognized him in shared images. It was revealed that Medina had lived in Matanzas for a period before recently returning to his hometown of Santiago de Cuba.
Increased Crime Amid Power Outages
Rivera Boza has formally filed a police report, and the young man remains in custody. However, the doctor chose not to make any public statements regarding the incident.
This event is part of a larger pattern of reports about violent thefts in Santiago de Cuba. Earlier this month, residents of Trocha and Gasómetro areas raised alarms over a surge of nighttime robberies causing distress for those navigating these city streets.
In many scenarios, residents themselves must take action to apprehend thieves due to limited police response amid rising crime rates. This week, several individuals detained a man who stole a cellphone from a university student in Palma Soriano, managing to retrieve the device before the police arrived.
Power outages further exacerbate insecurity: darkness and reduced police presence at night make thefts easier, ironically endangering those like Rivera Boza who try to alleviate the energy crisis by sharing electricity with neighbors.
The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC) reported an unprecedented surge in crime across Cuba in 2025, with 2,833 verified incidents, marking a 115% increase from 2024 and a staggering 337% rise from 2023. Theft was the most prevalent crime, with 1,536 occurrences. Santiago de Cuba ranked as the fourth most affected province, with 323 verified cases.
Understanding Crime and Safety in Santiago de Cuba
Why is crime increasing in Santiago de Cuba?
Crime in Santiago de Cuba is on the rise due to a combination of factors, including frequent power outages that create opportunities for theft and a lack of police presence to deter criminal activities.
How are residents responding to the crime wave?
Residents are increasingly taking matters into their own hands by coming together to apprehend thieves, as they experience a lack of sufficient police intervention.
What measures is the local community taking to enhance safety?
Local communities are creating networks of support, such as sharing resources during power outages and remaining vigilant to quickly respond to incidents of theft.