Haiti: Wanted Gang Member Dies

Haiti: Wanted Gang Member Dies After Opening Fire During Attempted Arrest -- UN

An alleged leading gang member wanted by both the Haitian National Police and the French authorities for serious crimes died this morning after he opened fire on forces trying to detain him, according to the UN Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), which participated in the operation.

Charles Junior, also known as "Yoyo Piman," who was wanted on national and international warrants for murder, kidnapping and criminal conspiracy, resisted arrest during the early morning operation in the notorious Cité Soleil neighborhood of the capital, Port au Prince, the mission said in a news release.

The suspect, alleged to be the second-in-command of the Amaral gang, opened fire on UN soldiers as UN police sought to detain him. The UN force called on him to cease firing and then fired in the air when he ignored their demand, before responding in legitimate self-defence.

"Any loss of life is regrettable," said MINUSTAH Deputy Force Commander Raul Gloodtdofsky. "It is still our hope that while we continue our efforts towards stability and preventing gangs from regrouping, this process can be done peacefully."

Soldiers transported Charles Junior to medical authorities where he was pronounced dead, the mission said. His body is being handed over to Haitian authorities.

ENDS

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