Holly MatkinSan German, PR – Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) Agent Alfred Zanyet-Perez was murdered in the line of duty by a drive-by gunman on Friday.
Agent Zanyet-Perez, 52, was conducting an undercover operation outside a grocery store on PR-330 at approximately 8:30 p.m., when someone in a passing car drove by and opened fire, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Agent Zanyet-Perez, an 18-year veteran of the force, was fatally struck at least once in his torso, Primera Hora reported.
A bystander outside the store suffered a gunshot wound to the right hand, according to El Nuevo Dia.
The suspects fled the scene in a dark-colored car, and have not been located.
Police said they do not believe the shooting was related to the undercover operation, Primera Hora reported.
The business has been shot at before, and investigators are also looking into whether or not someone else who was at the store at the time of the shooting might have been the actual target.
Agent Zanyet Perez joined the police force in 2001, and was assigned to the Drugs Division of Yauco in 2010.
Governor Ricardo Rossello Nevarez ordered that flags be lowered to half-mast on Monday in the slain officer’s honor, El Nuevo Dia reported.
“In memory of Officer Alfred Zanyet Pérez, and in remembrance of all those who have given their lives in defense of the Puerto Rican people wearing the honorable uniform of our Police, I decree a day of mourning,” Rossello Nevarez said.
Agent Zanyet-Perez leaves behind his wife and four children, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Puerto Rico Police Department Agent Alfred Zanyet-Perez, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Agent Zanyet-Perez, your life mattered.