Reynosa Shootout Ping!
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Posted on 05/01/2005 6:51:02 PM PDT by SwinneySwitch
REYNOSA — A federal police agent is recovering from a bullet wound following an early morning shootout between unidentified men and federal agents.
So far, agents have 10 men and one woman in custody who they believe are connected to the shootout. The agents have not yet identified the gunmen, said Marco Antonio Ramirez, a representative from the Mexican attorney general’s office, the PGR, in a press conference.
Around 2 a.m. Thursday, the offices of the Policia Federal Preventiva, or Federal Preventive Police, were attacked with two grenades and a hail of gunfire from two vehicles. Police returned fire and one PFP agent, Jesus Martinez, was injured. His injuries were considered non-life threatening, Ramirez said.
Moments after the shootout, agents were led on a high-speed chase, which ended when one of the vehicles stopped at a bar along the highway. Two of the men inside the vehicle escaped, but agents did catch a third man. Later, they caught a man and woman from a second vehicle.
Mexican officials believe the attack was in retaliation of a run-in with agents the previous day.
On Wednesday afternoon, agents patrolling an area in Reynosa observed a suspicious vehicle leaving a house. When the driver saw the agents approaching, he apparently panicked and drove off. After police gave chase, the driver eventually abandoned the vehicle and got away. Police found a small amount of drugs and a 9 mm handgun inside the vehicle.
Police believe that man was later involved in the assault on the PFP headquarters, Ramirez said.
After searching the vehicle, police went back to the house where they arrested eight men on firearm and drug possession charges, Ramirez said.
Later that night as police continued to patrol the area they were fired at by men they believe to be connected to the eight they had just arrested.
Police believe the eight men have given false names and they were later transported to Mexico City to establish their true identity.
"The men are most likely part of an organized crime group," Ramirez said.
Agents also discovered one of the vehicles involved in the shootout had been reported stolen.
Ramirez said they are waiting for a judge to grant a search warrant in order to enter the house. It is possible more arrests will be made after they search the house, he said.
"We don’t know, but there may be drugs or firearms (inside the house). Evidently, that place is used for people involved in organized crime. We are currently investigating two other vehicles and three other people. A total of 11 people are being detained. We are working with all of our fellow agencies to establish true identity of these suspects by way of fingerprints."
Officials requested forensic ballistic analysis to determine what type of weapon was used and if it was used in any other crime.
This week’s shootout was reportedly the first major case involving PFP agents, Ramirez said.
The PFP, an agency made up of about 2,500 officers is based in Mexico City and run by the Mexican Army, according to Monitor archives. The group, used throughout the country for special operations, is the federal police force, which investigates and fights corruption. In Reynosa, there are approximately 300 federal police agents patrolling the streets according to Everardo Sanchez, a spokesman from the attorney general’s office.
"They are trying to complete their task in reinforcing public security in the city," Ramirez said.
La Frontera contributed to this report.
Miriam Ramirez covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor you can reach her at (956) 683-4441.
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Scary stuff
In Mexico City????
Around 2 a.m. Thursday, the offices of the Policia Federal Preventiva, or Federal Preventive Police, were attacked with two grenades
Obviously they need more grenade-control laws.
All over Mexico. They brought about 600 officers of the PFP to Reynosa, back in January, to begin a crackdown on organized crime and drug trafficking along the border.
I was kidding, but I wasn't aware of what you said. I will assume, however, that all 600 officers are themselves part of the very same organized crime and trafficking they are charged to combat. (It's Mexico...)
So, when does it start happening here? When the first bomb goes off on a crowded strett it will be worse yhan 911, mark my words and it will happen here and when it does there will be several so the media can not ignore it. Look at what went on in DC, it damn near shut it down. How many have been killed on southern California hiways lately. It is coming folks, just a matter of time, you better be ready.
Now it's been passed on to South American gangs, who America's kids think are cool and dress/talk/play gangster music, and buy their drugs on weekends.
(Oh and PS - your daughter thinks 50-cent/Snoop/Nelly Dogg is SOOO CUTE!!!)
(Oh and PS - your daughter thinks 50-cent/Snoop/Nelly Dogg is SOOO CUTE!!!)
That's good news.
I didn't mean you, specifically, but it does apply even to conservative families who don't quite "get" what the culture war is about.
I know all about the culture war but you need to refrain accusations against fellow FReepers you know nothing about.
Perhaps, but I assumed the generality was clear. No friendly-fire intended...
Not much generality there as far as I can see. Be more careful or at least explain yourself next time.
(Oh and PS - your daughter thinks 50-cent/Snoop/Nelly Dogg is SOOO CUTE!!!)
Not much generality there as far as I can see. Be more careful or at least explain yourself next time.
It actually started with the alcohol culture going all the way back to the 1920s.
: ) Mexico City has a crime rate most people would not F'n believe.
Sounds like they weren't keeping up with there protection payments.
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