A dog at Los Guzmanes farm thwarted the escape of an alleged thief early Tuesday morning in the La Caoba area, Cobre Road, Santiago de Cuba, according to reports received by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
The incident took place around 1:30 a.m., resulting in the capture of one suspect, while two others managed to flee, the journalist noted on his social media.
Reportedly, the trio of young men attempted to steal oxen from the property when they were discovered.
Farm Dog's Heroic Intervention
During their escape, one of the suspects fell and was caught by the dog. Photos shared with the media show the individual with visible facial injuries. He was subsequently taken to a police station in Micro 9, and one of the farm's owners filed the necessary complaint.
The accusers claim the apprehended young man was not a stranger to the farm; he had previously been caught stealing agricultural products like cassava and plantains.
Alarming Increase in Rural Crimes
A source stated that the three carried two machetes, a bolt cutter, and a device described as a homemade firearm, although this could not be independently verified by the media.
Another source identified the detained individual as Héctor Lionis—without specifying last names—and claimed he was fulfilling his Mandatory Military Service at UM-1573 in Sabana, connected to the La Caoba area. Both his identity and any potential affiliation with the Revolutionary Armed Forces await official confirmation.
As of the report's closing, authorities had not released any official statements nor filed formal charges against the detainee.
Escalating Crime in Santiago de Cuba
This incident is part of a wave of criminal activity that has shaken Santiago de Cuba in September. Residents in Trocha and Gasómetro reported recurrent nighttime robberies at the month's start, and on September 20, a theft of ETECSA solar panels in the province was reported.
The theft of working animals has become one of the most severe crimes in rural Cuba. In early September, 13 people were arrested in Guantánamo for violent attacks and thefts in rural community farms, and on September 10, a man was murdered during a robbery at a farm in Matanzas.
The response on social media showed outrage towards the alleged thieves and solidarity with the affected farmer. "Poor farmer working for shameless thieves," wrote one commenter on the original post.
Rising Crime Statistics in Cuba
The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory documented 2,833 verified crimes in Cuba during 2025, marking a 115% increase from the previous year, with 1,536 robberies as the most common category. Santiago de Cuba ranked as the fourth most affected province, with 323 recorded cases, a number that has continued to rise in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime in Santiago de Cuba
What role did the dog play in apprehending the thief?
The farm dog played a crucial role by stopping the suspect who fell during the escape, allowing him to be captured.
How has crime been trending in Santiago de Cuba?
Crime in Santiago de Cuba has been on the rise, with recent incidents including nighttime robberies and thefts of solar panels, contributing to a wave of criminal activity in September.
What are the most common crimes in rural Cuba?
Theft of working animals is one of the most severe and common crimes in rural Cuba, often involving violent attacks on farms.