Four Fuerza Pública officers were detained in Guanacaste as part of an investigation into an alleged illegal raid and robbery at a home in Santa Cruz, a case that has drawn attention because it involves active police officers in one of Costa Rica’s most visited areas.
The officers, identified by their last names Gómez, Hernández, Torres and Villagra, are being investigated for alleged abuse of authority, aggravated robbery and illegal entry into a private residence. The case stems from events that occurred on February 9 in Linderos, Santa Cruz, after a shooting near a sports plaza left several people injured, including a 25-year-old Colombian man.
After the shooting, investigators say the wounded man went to his home. The officers later allegedly entered the residence without authorization. Items reportedly taken from the home included a pistol, a shotgun, jewelry, about three kilos of marijuana, perfumes, a bottle of liquor and roughly ₡2 million in cash
The case grew more serious after the Public Prosecutor’s Office said the officers may have tried to cover up the alleged theft. Investigators believe that minutes after the items were taken, the shotgun and a bag were returned, while the pistol was allegedly placed near the scene of the earlier shooting. The officers then allegedly reported by radio that a firearm had been found near the site, even though investigators suspect it was the same weapon taken from the home.
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) carried out eight raids Tuesday morning as part of the investigation. Searches were conducted at homes in Nandayure, barrio Lajas and Huacas in Santa Cruz, and barrio Moracia in Nicoya. Authorities also searched Fuerza Pública delegations in Santa Cruz, Nuevo Arenal de Tilarán, Cañas and the Tourist Police office in Tamarindo.
Three of the officers were detained during the early-morning raids. Hernández, 42, was captured later in Potrero de Santa Cruz, bringing the total number of detained officers to four. Villagra is 34, while Gómez and Torres are both 30.
Investigators seized cellphones, documents and electronic devices during the operation. The evidence will now form part of the criminal case as prosecutors seek precautionary measures against the detained officers. A hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, June 3.
