Shooting at Chinese-Owned Store in Verón–Punta Cana Leaves Three Injured

Police say a workplace dispute escalated into gunfire at a commercial establishment on Barceló Avenue, prompting an ongoing investigation.

By: Haitian Prime News|January 13, 2026|Verón–Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

A shooting incident at a Chinese-owned store in Verón–Punta Cana left three people injured Monday afternoon, according to the Criminal Investigations Division (DICRIM) of the Dominican National Police.

The incident occurred around 5:10 p.m. at the store known as “Long,” located on Barceló Avenue near the Olé supermarket. Preliminary investigations indicate that the violence began following a heated argument between two employees of the establishment.

Authorities identified the individuals involved in the initial dispute as Natacha Benjamin, 24, a Haitian national, and Carmela Bello Raúl, 46, a Dominican national. The verbal confrontation reportedly escalated and nearly turned physical, prompting the store’s security guard, Rafael Hernández Hernández, to intervene in an attempt to separate the two women.

During the intervention, police allege that Benjamin disarmed the guard, taking possession of his service weapon, a Taurus .38 caliber revolver. Investigators say four shots were fired inside the store during the ensuing struggle.

As a result of the gunfire, Mayloveda Pierre, a Haitian national, sustained a gunshot wound to the neck with an exit wound, while Dorcelin Climat, also Haitian, was wounded in the left leg. Bello Raúl and a customer who was inside the store at the time were also injured during the incident.

Police reported that after the first shot was fired, two male employees attempted to restrain the suspect but were also struck by gunfire during the confrontation.

Officers from DICRIM apprehended Natacha Benjamin at the scene. She remains in custody as authorities proceed with the corresponding legal process. Investigators continue to collect evidence and work to clarify the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The three injured Haitian nationals remain hospitalized. As of publication, officials have not released details regarding their medical conditions.

Sources

Dominican National Police – Criminal Investigations Division (DICRIM)

Local authorities in Verón–Punta Cana