Rafael Rosario, an unemployed security guard, was arrested after authorities discovered he lied about rescuing people during the devastating nightclub collapse in the Dominican Republic. The collapse at Jet Set in Santo Domingo, which occurred on April 8, left 231 people dead and injured over 200. Rosario, who claimed to have rescued 12 people, became a national hero after going on a media tour. His false story was widely shared across news outlets, and he was even paid for his fabricated accounts. However, his lies caught up with him when the National Police arrested him shortly after an interview on an online platform. The headline read: Fake Rescuer Arrested.
Lying for Money
Rosario appeared in several interviews, sharing his version of events. He claimed that, during the disaster, he helped rescue multiple victims from the rubble. He even went so far as to say he saved a TV host named Elianta Quintero. But after his arrest, Rosario admitted that he wasnโt there when the collapse happened. He confessed that he made up the whole story because he was unemployed and needed money. โI did it because they gave me money since I wasnโt working,โ he said in a video apology. However, he did not mention who had paid him. The story of the โFake Rescuer Arrestedโ shocked many.
Apology and Admission
After his arrest, Rosario made a public apology. In a video released by the National Police, he acknowledged that everything he had said was a lie. He explained that he wasnโt present at the nightclub when the roof caved in and had not rescued anyone. Rosario apologized to the public and the authorities for his actions. He expressed regret and asked for forgiveness. โI apologize to the public, I apologize to the authorities,โ he said. His false claims had caused unnecessary confusion and had undermined the real efforts of rescuers. The event of a fake rescuer arrested has brought awareness to such deceptive acts.
False Injury Claims
As part of his story, Rosario claimed he had injured his left hand while pulling people from the wreckage. He appeared in interviews with his hand heavily bandaged, portraying himself as a hero who risked his life to help others. However, the injury was not from the collapse. It was a gunshot wound he had suffered months earlier in February. Rosario did not admit to this until after his arrest, further revealing the extent of his dishonesty.
Rosarioโs National TV Appearance
Rosarioโs claims were widely accepted, especially after he appeared on national TV. On Noticias Telemicro, he described how he allegedly helped Quintero escape from the rubble. According to Rosario, he and others had removed debris to free her. Quintero, visibly emotional, thanked Rosario for saving her life during the interview. She expressed immense gratitude, unaware that Rosario was lying. โRafael was a miracle from God in my life. Thanks to him, Iโm alive today,โ she said, unaware of his deception. Rosarioโs appearance on TV made him a hero in the eyes of many, but it was later revealed that he had never been at the scene of the collapse, leading to the โFake Rescuer Arrestedโ revelation.
Previous Criminal History
Authorities found that Rosario had a history of criminal behavior. He had an outstanding arrest warrant for making a death threat to a woman in May 2022. This was just one example of his past actions that raised concerns. His arrest for faking a heroic rescue came after a pattern of dishonest behavior, highlighting the seriousness of his actions.
Investigation Uncovers the Truth
The National Police launched an investigation into Rosarioโs claims. It quickly became clear that he was not a rescuer and had not been involved in any rescue efforts at the nightclub. Authorities confirmed that Rosario had never been at the scene of the tragedy, and his statements were completely fabricated. His arrest came after a detailed investigation that exposed his lies and deceit. Thus, the fake rescuer was arrested and justice was served.
More False Claims in the Aftermath
Rosarioโs arrest is part of a broader crackdown on people who tried to profit from the tragedy. Other individuals, including TikTok personality Alexis Tejada, have been arrested for making false claims. Tejada, known for his large following, falsely claimed to be a survivor of the collapse. He also accused the police of stealing from the victims, a claim that was also debunked. Authorities are working hard to ensure that those who attempt to exploit the disaster for personal gain are held accountable.
