NEWS BRIEF

In a series of coordinated raids Tuesday morning, agents of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Police (OIJ) arrested a gang of five armed robbers who operated in Turrialba and surrounding communities, including a supervisor with the local police force.

The arrested police officer was identified by the last names Cantillo Ramos. The 42-year-old officer has served as a police officer and supervisor in Turrialba for 16 years, according to the OIJ.

The OIJ says the police officer was one of the leaders of the group.

The five men are accused of five armed robberies in restaurants and drive-through tellers at banks, amongst other locations. Officials said that the men would arrive on motorcycles and threaten customers with firearms.

Multiple firearms and cash were seized during raids on the men’s homes.