Policeman Fatally Shoots 3 Officers After Fight

This really just beats all. A very traumatic time for all families involved no doubt. Let our prayers be with them during this time of tragedy, and answers be found in the following investigation.

policeman fatally shoots 3 officers after fight

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A Puerto Rico policeman fatally shot two high-ranking officers and a policewoman on Monday following an argument and hostage taking at work that temporarily shut down the station in the U.S. territory's second largest city, authorities said. The suspect was immediately placed under arrest.

The suspect, Guarionex Candelario Rivera, held a female lieutenant, a male commander and a policewoman hostage in an office before he killed them, police spokeswoman Mayra Ayala told The Associated Press. She said authorities were about to start negotiations with the 50-year-old suspect when the victims were killed. She said police did not yet have information on a motive.

Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla told reporters that the suspect was injured during the shooting and remains hospitalized. Garcia declined to say what kind of injuries the officer received and how they were inflicted.

Walter Torres, mayor of the nearby southern town of Penuelas, told El Nuevo Dia newspaper that he knew the suspect well. "People here are incredulous to learn it was him," Torres was quoted as saying. "He is very religious, one of those people who would visit those who are sick; a quiet person, a homebody."

Puerto Rico's police force is one of the largest in a U.S. jurisdiction. The troubled department is undergoing a 10-year federally mandated reform after U.S. prosecutors accused officers of illegal killings, corruption and civil rights violations.

The Suspect, Guarionex Candelario Rivera

Policewoman Rosario Hernandez De Hoyos, 42

Police Lieutenant Luz M. Soro Segara, 49

Police Commander Frank Roman Rodriguez, 49


I really cannot even begin to fathom what kind of disagreement could have lead to such a debacle. Is it possible at all there could be any relation to the current financial state of PR?? Let us all see what this investigation turns up.

Only in America , right?

I guess we'll just have to wait for further detail's. Like some entertaining dramatic Hollywood movie playing out.... just saying.

a reply to: AmericanRealist

It would seem that the suspect had mental health and well-being issues - whether caused directly or indirectly by the 3 deceased officers is yet to be determined. Clearly something got to him and his mental state-of-mind led to the hostage situation that claimed the 3 lives.

It will be very interesting to determine what comes to light from his psychological debrief.

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

The fact that the officer likely used a service weapon is really of no concern. The concern is why would such a dedicated veteran do this to his own friends and co-workers?? They have all served together for years. I believe maybe it was related to bad news regarding pensions, the looming default by the government of Puerto Rico, and maybe there is no money left to retire?? He was getting close really.

Whatever it ends up being, I pray tell it does not fall back on some relationship issues/affair regarding either of the female officers. That would be just too petty and trivial and so so sad.

a reply to: AmericanRealist

yea whatever