A man accused of multiple sexual assaults in Cienfuegos remains at large, despite the community taking to the streets in search of him. Several videos shared on Facebook by user Saúl Manuel depict the desperation of the local population in the face of police inaction, as they fail to apprehend the suspect, Dunién Hernández, who resides on Reina Street.
One video posted on Thursday shows people heading towards the refuge in the Buenavista neighborhood, where the fugitive was allegedly hiding. "There’s nothing happening here, the man won’t come out. The place is packed with kids, the police might have even left, and nothing’s changed. Anyone saying they’ve caught him is lying," states the woman filming with her phone.
"They haven’t caught anyone. They say he’s inside, but the man won’t come out and the police haven’t come to get him either," she adds. Later, another woman claims that the provincial governor, Yolexis Rodríguez Armada, visited the site, visibly upset and alarmed by the situation.
Some people comment that the police have the assailant surrounded, while others insist there’s no one there. "Nothing is clear," emphasizes the author of the recording.
In recent hours, other videos have surfaced showing crowds in the streets searching for the alleged attacker. All of them reveal the anxiety of the people, but not the presence of the police. Confusion prevails due to the inefficiency of the authorities, and with the silence of the official press, various accounts of the supposed attacks spread without anyone knowing for certain how many women were assaulted or whether they were minors or adults.
This is all happening against a backdrop of economic and social crisis, where public tension could lead to a tragic outcome. This week, residents of the southern province alerted through social media about the presence of the supposed fugitive rapist, who allegedly attempted to rape a 14-year-old girl.
They explained that on Tuesday the man "attacked a young woman on 35th Street between 52nd and 54th." "He put a knife to her neck and raped her, the police tried to catch him but failed!" details a post by internet user Jennifer Sánchez Rodríguez. She emphasized that Hernández had previously raped a 14-year-old girl and stabbed a man in the Buenavista neighborhood.
"Cienfuegos is terrified over this; he’s still on the loose!" assured the post. This version differs from that of neighbors of Tuesday's supposed victim. They claimed the man attempted to rape the daughter of a woman named Yamitsys, a teacher at the Armando Mestre Primary School. He tore off all her clothes, but the girl started screaming loudly.
The mother of the minor was taken to the police to give a statement on Wednesday morning, they said. This incident has outraged city residents, who have proposed on social media to take to the streets armed with machetes and clubs to capture the man.
FAQ on the Cienfuegos Sexual Offender Case
Given the urgency and public concern surrounding the fugitive sexual offender in Cienfuegos, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide clarity on the situation.
Who is the suspected sexual offender in Cienfuegos?
The suspect is Dunién Hernández, identified as a resident of Reina Street in Cienfuegos.
What actions have the residents of Cienfuegos taken?
Residents have taken to the streets in search of the fugitive, sharing videos and posts on social media to alert others and express their frustration with police inaction.
What has been the response of the authorities?
According to the videos and reports, the police have not effectively apprehended the suspect, leading to public outcry and confusion. Even the provincial governor has shown concern over the situation.
How has the official press covered the incident?
The official press has remained silent, which has led to multiple versions and widespread confusion about the assaults.