Running battle with police kills 10 gunmen in Nogales

NOGALES, Sonora — Just minutes after Fausto Hopkins arrived Thursday morning for work at his food service company in the heart of Nogales, gunfire crackled outside the building.

As he huddled for safety behind closed doors in his office at about 6:30 a.m., Hopkins counted more than 200 gunshots. Many were right outside his business.

Hopkins was listening to the beginning of a deadly shootout and chase between heavily armed organized-crime gunmen and Mexican law-enforcement officers that sped through the city streets just a couple of miles from the border.

The rolling gunbattle went past supermarkets and malls and down side streets before ending in an industrial park.

That's where a vehicle full of men with AK-47 rifles and grenades was hit by police gunfire, went out of control and flew off an embankment. The vehicle crashed into the brick wall of the state prison, killing four of the six occupants and bringing an end to the chase.

A total of 10 gunmen were confirmed dead by Mexican officials. Three bystanders were injured, one of whom was in the hospital after being shot in the pelvis, said Arturo Ramírez Camacho, Nogales, Sonora's, police chief. At least two officers were hurt but not seriously, Ramírez said.

"It was something terrible," said Hopkins. "It was something totally unexpected."

Unfortunately for Hopkins and other Nogalenses, the shootouts are becoming more common every day.

Thursday's incident is the latest example of a deadly gunbattle occurring during daylight hours and near heavily frequented places in Nogales, Sonora — where drug cartels are battling for prized smuggling turf and Mexican law enforcement is trying to clamp down on their activity.

There has been a spike in homicides this year in Nogales — 76 through September, surpassing the 2007 total of 52 and more than doubling the 2006 total of 35. Most of them have been attributed to drug cartel-fueled violence.

The unprecedented bloodshed landed the city on the U.S. State Department's updated travel alert for Mexico that was released Oct. 14. The alert — which warns travelers about dangerous situations but doesn't instruct them not to go — put Nogales alongside notoriously dangerous cities such as Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nuevo Laredo.

It mentioned Nogales as one of the cities that "recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues," which would describe Thursday's gunbattle.

At Hopkins' company, known as Superior Food Service in the United States, stray bullets hit his building, his personal car and four of the company's delivery trucks, causing an estimated $5,000 in damage, he said.

Hopkins, who owns the business with his two sons, said he felt fortunate — he could have found himself in the crossfire had he arrived a few minutes later. "I don't care about the monetary losses, that's the least of my worries," Hopkins said.

That doesn't mean he and other business owners in the border city aren't getting fed up with the ongoing violence. One of the gunmen died on the driveway of Hopkins' business, the blood stain still visible in the afternoon. "We feel very insecure," Hopkins said.

The events began when state police officers stopped an SUV on Avenida Tecnológico, in front of the Unidad Deportiva, a city sports park, Ramírez said.

While making the stop, people in another vehicle, a Chevrolet Avalanche, opened fire on the state police officers.

Those gunmen drove around the corner, in front of Superior Food Service building and waited for police, opening fire on them when they came around the corner. Here, one gunmen was killed and another wounded.

The gunmen sped off southwest on Periférico Luis Donaldo Colosio, past the Soriana supermarket to the west and the Nogales mall to the east. They were followed by state, federal and municipal police, Ramírez said.

Another shootout, apparently involving the SUV that had been originally stopped by officers, took place further to the southwest, where two gunmen were killed and the three innocent people were injured, Ramírez said.

The chase involving the Avalanche continued onto a side street near Colonia Las Bellotas and onto a street that goes past the state prison and the industrial park. Here, the gunmen threw grenades at the officers.

It ended when police gunfire hit the Avalanche, causing the driver to lose control and crash into the prison wall. Four were dead at the scene. Two injured gunmen were arrested.

It was unclear where the other three gunmen died, but the incident involved a total of four vehicles with gunmen aboard, Ramírez said.

Police seized four vehicles, two grenades, five rifles and six handguns. The chase involving the Avalanche lasted about 20 minutes, he said.

Even though no police officers died in the shootout, Ramírez stopped short of calling Thursday's gunbattle a victory.

"It's obvious it's a war but to talk about victories when it puts the residents at risk, I think that's difficult," Ramírez said. "How many people were innocently leaving their houses for work and school and all of sudden, they are at risk in a shootout?"

When asked if the shootout will cause even more concern among prospective U.S. tourists who are already worried about travel through Nogales due to the State Department alert, Ramírez echoed what other city officials have said: The battles only affect police and those involved in the drug trade.

"It's true there is a problem in this city, this state, this country that we can't hide," Ramírez said. "But, it's nothing that puts people who are coming for other activities at risk."

But, even Manuel Hopkins, the son of Fausto Hopkins, who lives in Nogales, Ariz., acknowledged that with each new incident, it changes the way people behave.

"You have to be more cautious from now on," Manuel Hopkins said. "We don't feel targeted, but you can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, like my dad today."

Travel Alert Mexico

October 14, 2008

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It replaces the Travel Alert for Mexico dated April 14, 2008, and expires on April 14, 2009.

While millions of U.S. Citizens safely visit Mexico each year, including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business, increased levels of violence make it imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one is a victim of crime. Common-sense precautions, such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas, avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, and exercising prudence in where one visits during the evening hours and at night, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border

Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent fight for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S. - Mexico border in an apparent response to the Government of Mexico's initiatives to crack down on narco-trafficking organizations. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have taken on the characteristics of small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and, on occasion, grenades. Firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but particularly in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.

A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. More than 1,600 cars were reportedly stolen in Ciudad Juarez in the month of July 2008, and bank robberies there are up dramatically. Rates for robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. Cuidad Juarez, Tijuana, and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Tijuana, and along Route 15 between Nogales and Hermosillo.

The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,000 people have been killed there this year. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez has targeted applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make provisions to pay for those services with something other than cash.

U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most of the crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses risks for U.S. citizens as well. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico

While the largest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border, U.S. citizens traveling elsewhere in Mexico should also exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violent attacks, demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico and many cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible. U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which are generally more secure. U.S. citizens are encouraged to stay in well-known tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate security, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling with them. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling alone, and should carry a GSM-enabled cell phone that functions internationally. Refrain from displaying expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. People have died during violent demonstrations, including an American citizen who was killed in Oaxaca in 2006. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. Therefore, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. In a recent incident, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings. Further Information For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html . Information on security and travel to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the publication: "Spring Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!" at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html . For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution , Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ . For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx . The Embassy's internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/ .

Consulates: Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-n, telephone (52) (656) 611-3000. Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52) (333) 268-2100. Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52) (662) 289-3500. Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52) (868) 812-4402. Mérida: Calle 60 no. 338 k, telephone (52) (999) 942-5700 Monterrey: Avenida Constitución 411 Poniente, telephone (52) (818) 345-2120. Nogales: Calle San José, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52) (631) 311-8150. Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (52) (867) 714-0512. Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52) (664) 622-7400. Consular Agencies: ACAPULCO: HOTEL CONTINENTAL EMPORIO, COSTERA MIGUEL ALEMAN 121 - LOCAL 14, TELEPHONE (52) (744) 484-0300 OR (52) (744) 469-0556. CABO SAN LUCAS: BLVD. MARINA LOCAL C-4, PLAZA NAUTICA, COL. CENTRO, TELEPHONE (52) (624) 143-3566. CANCÚN: PLAZA CARACOL TWO, SECOND LEVEL, NO. 320-323, BOULEVARD KUKULCAN, KM. 8.5, ZONA HOTELERA, TELEPHONE (52) (998) 883-0272. CIUDAD ACUÑA: OCAMPO # 305, COL. CENTRO, TELEPHONE (52) (877) 772-8661 COZUMEL: PLAZA VILLA MAR EN EL CENTRO, PLAZA PRINCIPAL, (PARQUE JUÁREZ BETWEEN MELGAR AND 5TH AVE.) 2ND FLOOR, LOCALES #8 AND 9, TELEPHONE (52)(987) 872-4574. IXTAPA/ZIHUATANEJO: HOTEL FONTAN, BLVD. IXTAPA, TELEPHONE (52) (755) 553-2100. MAZATLÁN: HOTEL PLAYA MAZATLÁN, PLAYA GAVIOTAS #202, ZONA DORADA, TELEPHONE (52)(669) 916-5889. OAXACA: MACEDONIO ALCALÁ NO. 407, INTERIOR 20, TELEPHONE (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853. PIEDRAS NEGRAS: ABASOLO #211, ZONA CENTRO, PIEDRAS NEGRAS, COAH., TEL. (878) 782-5586. PLAYA DEL CARMEN: "THE PALAPA," CALLE 1 SUR, BETWEEN AVENIDA 15 AND AVENIDA 20, TELEPHONE (52)(984) 873-0303. PUERTO VALLARTA: PARADISE PLAZA, PASEO DE LOS COCOTEROS #1, LOCAL #4, INTERIOR #17, NUEVO VALLARTA, NAYARIT, TELEPHONE (52)(322) 222-0069. REYNOSA: CALLE MONTERREY #390, ESQ. SINALOA, COLONIA RODRÍGUEZ, TELEPHONE: (52)(899) 923 - 9331 SAN LUIS POTOSÍ: EDIFICIO "LAS TERRAZAS", AVENIDA VENUSTIANO CARRANZA 2076-41, COL. POLANCO, TELEPHONE: (52)(444) 811-7802/7803. SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE: DR. HERNANDEZ MACIAS #72, TELEPHONE (52)(415) 152-2357 OR (52)(415) 152-0068.

*********************************************************** See http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for State Department Travel Warnings

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