By The Star Staff
Federal authorities offered a $10,000 reward on Monday for anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for killing agent Eliezer Ramos Vélez.
“WE’RE LOOKING FOR THE PUBLIC’S HELP! @ATFMiami offers a $10,000 REWARD for any information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the murder of @PRPDNoticias police officer Eliezer Ramos-Velez. Call 1-888-ATF-TIPS or PR Police at: 787-343-2020,” reads a message posted by the federal agency ATF Miami.
Meanwhile, the body of agent Eliezer Ramos Vélez, badge 36516, will be on display starting today at 11 a.m. at Rubén Zayas Montañez Coliseum on Muñoz Rivera Street in Trujillo Alto.
Later in the day, at 1 p.m., Police Bureau Commissioner Antonio López Figueroa will posthumously promote Ramos Vélez to the rank of sergeant.
The burial will take place on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Trujillo Alto Municipal Cemetery on Highway 181, kilometer 7.6, in the town’s Dos Bocas neighborhood.
Ramos Vélez, 35, who was assigned to the Special Operations Superintendency out of Police General Headquarters, was shot dead in the early hours of last Friday at the entrance of the Sabana Abajo residential complex in Carolina.
The 12-year veteran of the force was the first police officer killed in the line of duty in 2024. He is survived by a son.
According to the authorities’ investigation, Ramos Vélez left his work shift at 4 a.m., and while traveling along Román Baldorioty de Castro Expressway he saw some subjects on a motorcycle shooting at a moving vehicle. The officer proceeded to follow them, arriving at the entrance of the aforementioned public housing complex, where he was killed.
2nd police team enters Sabana Abajo to assist community
Earlier on Monday, a second team of police officers occupied the Sabana Abajo residential complex, but on this occasion with the purpose of providing services to the community, identifying the needs of older adults and people with conditions and extending a helping hand to children.
López Figueroa ordered the integration of the efforts of the Community Relations division, who along with their Carolina Municipal Police counterpart were to be stationed in the residential area.
He said dozens of police officers will join in a parallel effort, which will begin with a process of screening and evaluating the composition of the community and its needs to coordinate aid and provide services. In addition, they will conduct programs aimed at children, in coordination with the school located at the entrance of the residential complex.
“In the Police we are aware that we have a double role in society,” López Figueroa said. “We have to prosecute those who commit a crime, but we also have to provide support to citizens in need and the community so that it becomes stronger. In this effort, we have the support of our municipal colleagues in Carolina.”
“The different programs offered by the Community Relations division of the Police and the municipality of Carolina will be activated to coordinate aid and establish prevention initiatives,” the police chief added. “The majority of the people who live in Sabana Abajo are good, productive people who help their neighbors and in that way serve Puerto Rico. We urge them to come to us so that this effort bears fruit for the benefit of their community and their families.”