Police fail to arrest Haiti’s most wanted

One of Haiti’s most wanted men escaped arrest on Wednesday as law enforcement officials exchanged gunfire with gunmen in the Cité Plus neighborhood.

The police report that gunmen as well as residents are responsible for the escape of  “the dangerous leader of the Gang known as ‘Arnel’ who controls the neighborhood and spreads terror among the population.”

Western Departmental Director of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) and Divisional Commissioner, Berson Soljour, said the police came under gunfire from the heavily armed gun and had to retreat while waiting for reinforcement.

Eyewitnesses said that the gunfire triggered panic among the residents, some of whom sought shelter in buildings. But the police said that by the time the reinforcement arrived, the gang leader, whose name was not disclosed, had disappeared with his men.

Soljour said no police officer was injured during the gun battle, he also deplored the attitude of the residents, who out of fear for their lives, have failed to collaborate with the police in arresting the gang leader.