A Cuban man has been arrested by law enforcement in Colón, Matanzas, following an alleged home invasion in the area where he reportedly used a firearm. The suspect, identified as Ediel Jesús Prado Morales, committed the burglary in the early hours of December 2nd, according to a Facebook profile linked to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) called “Con Todos La Victoria.”
According to reports, the perpetrator, who has a lengthy criminal record, broke into the home of a resident named Román while wearing a mask reminiscent of the "Scary Movie" film series to conceal his identity. Armed with a gun, he threatened the victim and made off with a car and a mobile phone.
The source further reveals that Prado Morales was apprehended at his own residence. During a search, authorities discovered parts of the stolen vehicle, a shotgun, and the mentioned mask, corroborating his involvement in the crime.
Further investigations uncovered that Prado Morales has previous offenses related to the possession of bladed weapons, assault, and multiple thefts, highlighting a disturbing pattern of unlawful activities in the region.
This incident has sparked significant alarm among the residents of Colón, who voiced their concerns about the increasing frequency of similar crimes in their community. Comments following the publication stated, “Every day crime is more organized and now with firearms,” and “You’re lucky they caught the thief; now hopefully the prosecution will do its job because in my case some of my stolen items were returned, others I'm still waiting for, and the criminals remain free.”
Earlier this year in August, authorities in the same province dismantled a gang of ten individuals conducting armed robberies in the municipalities of Colón, Los Arabos, and Calimete. The group was known to use weapons and exert violence on their victims.
Additionally, in May 2024, a more organized form of crime was uncovered when a criminal network using digital platforms to defraud and subsequently assault victims was dismantled.
Concerns About Crime in Colón, Matanzas
What led to the arrest of Ediel Jesús Prado Morales?
Prado Morales was arrested after a home invasion where he used a firearm. Evidence including parts of a stolen vehicle and a mask were found at his residence, confirming his involvement.
How have residents of Colón reacted to the crime?
Residents expressed significant concern over the increasing crime rate, noting the growing organization of criminal activities and the use of firearms.
What other criminal activities have occurred in Matanzas recently?
Authorities dismantled a gang involved in armed robberies and uncovered a digital fraud network, indicating a complex landscape of organized crime in the region.