BajaNomad

Alert for armed robberies in Laguna Hanson (Parque Nacional Constitución de 1857)

Archie - 6-21-2018 at 03:56 PM

For being of general interest i feel like i should share this:

Abstract: Two families were robbed at gunpoint last saturday while camping in the national park. A couple from Tijuana was robbed saturday morning and another family in the afternoon, they were approached by two men carrying firearms and forced to give them their cars, money and cell phones. Another campers helped the victims.

Authorities are advising against camping or visiting the area until further notice. Local police, State police and mexican army are aware of the situation and one person was captured with one of the stolen vehicles, ammo and firearms.

*I happen to know the photographer that helped the family, he confirmed the story. I've asked the park personnel about this, but have no answer yet.
Quote:

Ensenada, México (21 junio 2018).- Por primera vez en los últimos 20 años, autoridades del Parque Nacional Constitución de 1857, una zona recreativa para campistas y única Área Natural Protegida en la Sierra de Juárez, alertaron por asaltos por parte de hombres armados, por lo que recomiendan no acudir al parque hasta nuevo aviso.

Dos familias que acampaban el sábado pasado fueron asaltadas por dos hombres con armas largas, quienes se llevaron celulares, dinero y los vehículos de las víctimas.

En los últimos 20 años nunca se habían presentado asaltos, puntualizó en entrevista Santos Soto Jaime, subdirector encargado de despacho del Parque Nacional.

"Recomendaría a la comunidad que se abstuviera de subir al Parque Nacional hasta no tener una mayor seguridad con las instituciones de los tres niveles de Gobierno", indicó, "ya están enterados el Municipio, el Ejército y la Procuraduría General de la República (PGR), falta hacer un operativo".

Señaló que ya hay una persona detenida, a la que se aprehendió con un vehículo robado a una familia, y quien al parecer portaba armas y cartuchos en esa misma unidad.

"Es una inseguridad que nunca habíamos vivido dentro del Parque", lamentó Soto Jaime.

El encargado del Parque especificó que se espera una reunión la próxima semana con la delegación de la Procuraduría General de la República (PGR) y la Segunda Región Militar de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena).

El primer asalto se registró la mañana del sábado, una familia que acampó en la Laguna Hanson, en el Parque Nacional, fue afectada; el segundo atraco tuvo lugar ese mismo día por la tarde a otra familia.

"Es una situación que en los últimos 20 años no había sucedido, nunca habíamos tenido una situación de ese tipo, el sábado fue un matrimonio joven de Tijuana, fueron asaltados por dos personas, les quitaron el vehículo", indicó.

"Lo reportamos inmediatamente al 911, estuve con las personas afectadas, comunicamos al Ejército en el retén de la carretera federal entre Ensenada a San Felipe, y dijeron que iban a subir, porque al parecer estas personas (asaltantes) traían armas largas", añadió.

Soto Jaime llevó a la familia al Ministerio Público a interponer la denuncia.

"Vamos a tratar de hacer un operativo de seguridad con el Ejército, a ver si nos podemos coordinar con ellos que estén arriba (en la sierra), porque es temporada de muchos visitantes", comentó.

El parque nacional, al sur de Ensenada, solo cuenta con cuatro guardabosques, el área recreativa abarca 104 hectáreas para uso público.

Relatan campistas mala experiencia

Francisco Buelna, fotógrafo de Ensenada y campista, relató que auxilió a la primer familia que fue asaltada.

"Acampamos a unos dos kilómetros de la caseta de acceso, cerca del cuerpo de agua de la Laguna, después del desayuno se acercó una señora con un pequeño en brazos, de unos 4 años, pensamos que lo había mordido algún animal", platicó.

"Ella dijo que los habían acabado de asaltar con un arma larga, la señora venía con tres hijos, uno de 11, 8 y 4 años de edad, les dijeron que les entregaran el carro, celulares, dinero, las llaves de casa y del carro, dicen ellos que uno de los asaltantes traía un AK-47, la señora estaba muy asustada", recordó.

Buelna señaló que solo observó cómo una camioneta blanca salió a toda velocidad del parque.

"Publiqué esto en mis redes porque hacemos actividades recreativas en la zona y nunca había pasado esto", lamentó.

Copyright © Grupo Reforma Servicio Informativo


[Edited on 6-21-2018 by Archie]

Danger Will Robinson !!

Chup - 6-21-2018 at 04:00 PM

BajaGlenn - 6-21-2018 at 04:46 PM


Seems to be happening more and more!!:fire::fire::fire:

SFandH - 6-21-2018 at 05:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chippy  


This is just the beginning of being an American in Mexico ... xxxxx


There is no mention of the nationalities of the victims in the news article. Plenty of Mexican families camp on the weekends. In fact, if the victims were American, the news story probably would have mentioned it.






[Edited on 6-22-2018 by SFandH]

[Edited on 6-24-2018 by BajaNomad]

There's ALWAYS a Danger ...................

MrBillM - 6-21-2018 at 05:44 PM

............. In isolated areas.

On either side of the border.

The BIG difference en El Norte is that you CAN (if you wish) carry a firearm.

A number of times over many years of mountain and desert camping, I ran across some really questionable characters and treated the encounter accordingly.

South of the border, most don't have that option. While I DID (often carrying a cheap .38 which couldn't be traced to me), thankfully I never ran into a situation where it HAD to be used.

And, tossed.

Which it was (in pieces) when I finally left Percebu for the last time.

azucena - 6-21-2018 at 06:23 PM

The real issue is :

Does it matter if the victims were from the US or from Mexico?

Random violence exists EVERYWHERE and it effects ALL of us.

It is just another polarization to ask what the nationalities of the victims were.

We need to be outraged WHEREVER innocent people are being victimized.
Let us not forget, like it or not, Mexico is our neighbor.

When we see a neighbor in trouble our ethics as US citizens have been to help.

The world could use a lot more of that these days.

When you think about it, it is easier to be compassionate than angry.

SFandH - 6-21-2018 at 06:33 PM

Of course you're correct. A previous poster assumed they were American.

Maderita - 6-21-2018 at 08:21 PM

The last robberies at Laguna Hanson (Parque Nacional) that I recall were approximately 1996.

bajatrailrider - 6-21-2018 at 08:27 PM

We where there Sunday to Thursday riding up in forest. Camped at Coyotes at 3 AM a truck did go by slow. Would have been a mistake if they tried something as there well armed.

Alm - 6-21-2018 at 08:36 PM

I doubt that political opinion of the robbers has played any role.

As to the "respect" to gringos, - it had been lost long time ago, somewhere in late 80s or early 90s, coinciding with rise of China, decline of the entire Western economy and strengthening of cartels.

Alm - 6-22-2018 at 08:42 AM

Meanwhile, USD drops against peso:
https://xe.com/currencycharts/?from=USD&to=MXN&view=...

Note that Bank of Mexico rate increase of June 21 didn't have any effect on this.

chuckie - 6-22-2018 at 08:55 AM

And the people in the Parque remain robbed.....

KasloKid - 6-22-2018 at 09:46 AM

C'mon you guys, there's a political forum to vent your particular frustrations.

Getting back to the original topic, is the first time anyone has heard of robberies in the park? I've read stuff about land owners stopping riders from crossing through their land (legit?) with a gun in hand, but never an armed robbery....

bajaric - 6-22-2018 at 09:49 AM

Thanks for info, Archie. I drove past Laguna Hanson Sunday going north, the place was deserted.
Camped about 20 miles north of there Sunday night. At the time was not aware of the robbery but had a sort of foreboding feeling -- Fortunately my F150 2.7 aka the White Ghost can go really fast on the dirt roads and I mean we were hauling ass across there just because I like driving fast on deserted dirt roads -- Still somewhat unnerving to think that all that (allegedly) happened so near there but all turned out well, seems like an isolated incident.

[Edited on 6-23-2018 by bajaric]

Alm - 6-22-2018 at 10:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric  
Isolated spot a mile off the main road, no one around. In case someone drove up in the middle of the night the plan was to jump out of the camper, grab the money, passport, insurance papers, hit the lock button and run away and hide.

Staying awake all night, or setting up the perimeter with motion sensor lights and sirens? :) ... In case if you travel with a dog, they can sleep too. And are not too difficult to shoot.

Alm - 6-22-2018 at 11:47 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie  
And the people in the Parque remain robbed.....

...and WILL remain robbed :)... even if the whole country will suddenly change overnight. No, wait - they are "half robbed" now that one of two cars has been recovered.

Robbers are not politically motivated. But there is a bigger picture to be looked into, as others have noted.

bajaric - 6-22-2018 at 11:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm  
Quote: Originally posted by bajaric  
Isolated spot a mile off the main road, no one around. In case someone drove up in the middle of the night the plan was to jump out of the camper, grab the money, passport, insurance papers, hit the lock button and run away and hide.

Staying awake all night, or setting up the perimeter with motion sensor lights and sirens? :) ... In case if you travel with a dog, they can sleep too. And are not too difficult to shoot.


In my case more like passed out and wake up with an AK in my face .. ha ha I would still run away. Who gets shot in the back running away? Sorry could not resist. Seriously there you can hear a vehicle a mile away, plenty of time to sneak off though a planned escape route into hidden area if you are awake to hear it. Forgot to mention saw a full size SUV at "the boulder" same area with windows broken out missing wheels wonder now if that was other one stolen. What drama?

Maderita - 6-22-2018 at 11:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by KasloKid  

Getting back to the original topic, is the first time anyone has heard of robberies in the park?

There was a robbery (or two?) at Laguna Hanson, approximately 1996. A gringo couple was robbed at gunpoint. The husband was hit in the head with a rifle butt and the vehicle stolen, iirc. I can't find my notes, but I believe it was the same year as an armed robbery (with a rifle fired) at the climber's basecamp at Cañón El Tajo, which was 1996.

That was a bad year or two. A moto rider was shot in the leg while pre-running in the southern Sierra de Juarez. More than one vehicle was torched in separate incidents while parked at trailheads of eastside palm canyons, presumably by marijuana growers who wanted to keep hikers out of their grows. I coordinated with a writer from The Reader, who wrote a feature article about the incidents.

Since that time, things have been relatively safe, to my knowledge. Vehicle burglary (break-ins with theft) is the only problem that I've heard. The article in the original post indicated that this is the first robbery in 20 years. Perhaps that is a round number and the reference is to 1996 (22 years)?

for Bajaric

John M - 6-22-2018 at 12:46 PM

check your U2U

JoeJustJoe - 6-22-2018 at 03:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric  
Thanks for info, Archie. Politics aside, seems the situation in Baja continues to deteriorate. Wonder if it will get like Acapulco, where the violence has resulted in few foreign tourists visiting there any more. I drove past Laguna Hanson Sunday going north, the place was deserted. I gather that two robbers, one armed with an AK47, stole two vehicles. So they must have been on foot? In previous visits to the area have been warned to stay away from Calabozo and Vegas Negras, located a few miles southeast of Hanson, due to 2 recent murders there. Perps could have walked from there. Good news that they recovered one vehicle and weapons.

Camped about 20 miles north of there Sunday night. Isolated spot a mile off the main road, no one around. In case someone drove up in the middle of the night the plan was to jump out of the camper, grab the money, passport, insurance papers, hit the lock button and run away and hide. No baseball bat confrontations for me. Stuff can be replaced.

The southeastern Sierra Juarez area has long been known as a growing area, wonder if legalization is putting a dent in their export business and they are turning to robbery. Its a bummer for me because I have been searching for an old abandoned mining camp located somewhere in that general area, maybe will cross that one off the bucket list. On the other hand if anyone knows the location of National Camp (purposely spelled in English) and wants to U2 me the GPS I would be grateful as I am researching the mining history of northern Baja and having a hard time finding that place and don't want to be randomly driving around that area too much.


Maybe it's just me, but I find searching around in an old abandoned mining camp, a lot more dangerous than sipping a margarita at some Acapulco resort by the pool.

I also find camping alone is some isolated campground a lot more dangerous that staying in a 3 star hotel anywhere in Baja.

I was working last month in San Diego, and there was a shooting near Petco Park, where 5 people were shot, and every place I walked near the East Village, I saw tons of homeless people with serious mental problems while talking to themselves that caused me to be very very alert.

What you didn't see me do is to to some San Diego, forum, waving the alarmist bells, and asking, is San Diego safe?

John Harper - 6-22-2018 at 04:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JoeJustJoe  
What you didn't see me do is to to some San Diego, forum, waving the alarmist bells, and asking, is San Diego safe?


I could easily put down a small rebellion in my neighborhood.

John

KasloKid - 6-22-2018 at 10:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Maderita  
Quote: Originally posted by KasloKid  

Getting back to the original topic, is the first time anyone has heard of robberies in the park?

There was a robbery (or two?) at Laguna Hanson, approximately 1996. A gringo couple was robbed at gunpoint. The husband was hit in the head with a rifle butt and the vehicle stolen, iirc. I can't find my notes, but I believe it was the same year as an armed robbery (with a rifle fired) at the climber's basecamp at Cañón El Tajo, which was 1996.

That was a bad year or two. A moto rider was shot in the leg while pre-running in the southern Sierra de Juarez. More than one vehicle was torched in separate incidents while parked at trailheads of eastside palm canyons, presumably by marijuana growers who wanted to keep hikers out of their grows. I coordinated with a writer from The Reader, who wrote a feature article about the incidents.

Since that time, things have been relatively safe, to my knowledge. Vehicle burglary (break-ins with theft) is the only problem that I've heard. The article in the original post indicated that this is the first robbery in 20 years. Perhaps that is a round number and the reference is to 1996 (22 years)?


Thanks Maderita. Just the info I was looking for.
I remember as well, a rider being shot by a .22 and he managed to ride out on his own. The shooter was at a gate and gave no warning... the thinking was he was protecting a grow op. I think that was near Laguna Hansen or the sawmill?

Vehicle break-ins are to be expected, no matter what country you're in.

I guess I'll/we'll continue to ride hard and fast through there to Ojos in the future. If I hear of more incidents, I may have to reconsider a different route. It's been our favourite way of riding back to the USA after a Baja 1000.

AKgringo - 6-23-2018 at 09:44 AM

The Laguna Hanson area is on my intended route for a trip this fall. I am very interested in any information about the recent events!

Anyone have an update, or link to a recent report? I would prefer even a third hand report to the first hand opinions being offered by the off topic posts that have turned this thread into another crap storm!

KasloKid - 6-23-2018 at 10:16 AM

Off topic posts sure clutter up this thread.
Dam, can't a moderator move or delete the off topic posts?

I really don't give a crap about reading crap that has nothing to do with the original topic.

I too am keeping an eye on recent events of this area in this thread.

SFandH - 6-23-2018 at 10:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
The Laguna Hanson area is on my intended route for a trip this fall. I am very interested in any information about the recent events!

Anyone have an update, or link to a recent report? I would prefer even a third hand report to the first hand opinions being offered by the off topic posts that have turned this thread into another crap storm!


From the TJ newspaper yesterday.

https://frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Ensenada/22062018...

KasloKid - 6-23-2018 at 10:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
The Laguna Hanson area is on my intended route for a trip this fall. I am very interested in any information about the recent events!

Anyone have an update, or link to a recent report? I would prefer even a third hand report to the first hand opinions being offered by the off topic posts that have turned this thread into another crap storm!


From the TJ newspaper yesterday.

https://frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Ensenada/22062018...



Google translation to English:

For the first time in the last 20 years, authorities of the National Park Constitution of 1857, a recreational area for campers and the only Protected Natural Area in the Sierra de Juárez, warned of assaults by armed men, so they recommend not to go to the park until new notice.

Two families who were camping last Saturday were assaulted by two men with long weapons, who took away cell phones, money and vehicles from the victims.

In the last 20 years there have never been any assaults, Santos Soto Jaime, deputy director in charge of the National Park office, said in an interview.

"I would recommend to the community that they refrain from going up to the National Park until they have greater security with the institutions of the three levels of Government," he said. "The Municipality, the Army and the Attorney General's Office are already aware (PGR ), there is still an operation to be done ".

He noted that there is already a person arrested, who was arrested with a vehicle stolen from a family, and who apparently carried weapons and cartridges in that same unit.

"It is an insecurity that we had never lived in the Park," lamented Soto Jaime.

The person in charge of the Park specified that a meeting is expected next week with the delegation of the Attorney General's Office (PGR) and the Second Military Region of the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena).

The first assault was recorded on Saturday morning, a family that camped in the Hanson Lagoon, in the National Park, was affected; The second robbery took place that same day in the afternoon to another family.

"It's a situation that in the last 20 years had not happened, we had never had a situation like that, on Saturday it was a young couple from Tijuana, they were assaulted by two people, they took the vehicle," he said.

"We reported it immediately to 911, I was with the people affected, we told the Army at the federal highway checkpoint between Ensenada and San Felipe, and they said they would go up, because apparently these people (assailants) were carrying long weapons," he added. .

Soto Jaime took the family to the Public Ministry to file the complaint.

"We are going to try to make a security operation with the Army, to see if we can coordinate with them that are up (in the mountains), because it is the season of many visitors," he said.

The national park, to the South of Ensenada, only has four forest rangers, the recreational area covers 104 hectares for public use.

Relating campers bad experience
Francisco Buelna, Ensenada photographer and camper, reported that he helped the first family that was assaulted.

"We camped about 2 kilometers from the access booth, near the body of water of the Laguna, after breakfast a lady with a baby in her arms approached, about 4 years old, we thought she had been bitten by an animal," she said.

"She said that they had just assaulted them with a long weapon, the lady came with three children, one of 11, 8 and 4 years old, they were told to give them the car, cell phones, money, keys to the house and car, they say that one of the assailants was carrying an AK-47, the lady was very scared, "he recalled.

Buelna said he only observed how a white van ran full speed out of the park.

"I published this in my networks because we do recreational activities in the area and this has never happened," he lamented.




[Edited on 6-23-2018 by KasloKid]

[Edited on 6-23-2018 by KasloKid]

ELINVESTIG8R - 6-23-2018 at 11:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged  
Quote: Originally posted by DaliDali  


...Agreed.........the American doper drives the crime...
Meth, coke and now the dreaded opioids....all smuggled in on the backs of illegal aliens....and jojo wants to give them all a pass.....all in the name of beating back racism....



DD,
Do you really believe that statement about "all smuggled in on the backs of illegal aliens".....?

I thought you were smarter than that.

I guess the vehicle, plane, and boat smuggling methods are a drop in the bucket compared to people wading across the border....not to mention that those drugs are readily manufactured in USA...

Can you get past your dichotomous "either/or" thinking and consider a response that might include the phrase "well, that depends..." ( a developmental stage of cognitive development usually evident in early adolescence: ....Piaget's fourth and last stage of cognitive development, characterized by the ability to think abstractly. Thinking abstractly gives the teen more flexible ways to manipulate information. No longer limited to the here and now, they can think hypothetically and imagine what might be. They can use symbols for symbols as in algebra. They can also imagine multiple possibilities and form and test hypotheses. Development of this stage is dependent on both brain maturation and learning experiences.).




FOR DALIDALI


Ken Cooke - 6-23-2018 at 12:00 PM

I will monitor Spanish language media for followup information as it is made available. But as the saying goes, good roads bring bad people. Bad roads bring Jeeps!:light:

ELINVESTIG8R - 6-23-2018 at 12:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke  
I will monitor Spanish language media for followup information as it is made available. But as the saying goes, good roads bring bad people. Bad roads bring Jeeps!:light:



Thank you Mamá Espinoza for that great saying. It never gets old!

TMW - 6-23-2018 at 12:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Maderita  


Thanks Maderita. Just the info I was looking for.
I remember as well, a rider being shot by a .22 and he managed to ride out on his own. The shooter was at a gate and gave no warning... the thinking was he was protecting a grow op. I think that was near Laguna Hansen or the sawmill?

Vehicle break-ins are to be expected, no matter what country you're in.

I guess I'll/we'll continue to ride hard and fast through there to Ojos in the future. If I hear of more incidents, I may have to reconsider a different route. It's been our favourite way of riding back to the USA after a Baja 1000.


This may be a different incident but several years ago just north of Valle la Trinidad a motorcycle rider was shot while pre-running the Baja 500 course. At the time it was thought the shooter was protecting a pot farm.

Ken Cooke - 6-23-2018 at 12:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ELINVESTIG8R  
Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke  
I will monitor Spanish language media for followup information as it is made available. But as the saying goes, good roads bring bad people. Bad roads bring Jeeps!:light:



Thank you Mamá Espinoza for that great saying. It never gets old!


Investigator,

I have not spent much time on this forum lately, but it appears you still have an axe to grind with your acquaintances from the off-topic forum from several years past. Are you okay? These .gif files and such are strange on your part. Take care of yourself.

Ken Cooke - 6-23-2018 at 12:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW  
Quote: Originally posted by Maderita  


Thanks Maderita. Just the info I was looking for.
I remember as well, a rider being shot by a .22 and he managed to ride out on his own. The shooter was at a gate and gave no warning... the thinking was he was protecting a grow op. I think that was near Laguna Hansen or the sawmill?

Vehicle break-ins are to be expected, no matter what country you're in.

I guess I'll/we'll continue to ride hard and fast through there to Ojos in the future. If I hear of more incidents, I may have to reconsider a different route. It's been our favourite way of riding back to the USA after a Baja 1000.


This may be a different incident but several years ago just north of Valle la Trinidad a motorcycle rider was shot while pre-running the Baja 500 course. At the time it was thought the shooter was protecting a pot farm.


TW, I believe that incident took place in the Valle Trinidad region, opposite side (south) of Hwy 3 from where this carjacking/brazen robbery took place. Both equally chilling incidents in what is considered otherwise peaceful locales.

ELINVESTIG8R - 6-23-2018 at 12:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke  
Quote: Originally posted by ELINVESTIG8R  
Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke  
I will monitor Spanish language media for followup information as it is made available. But as the saying goes, good roads bring bad people. Bad roads bring Jeeps!:light:



Thank you Mamá Espinoza for that great saying. It never gets old!


Investigator,

I have not spent much time on this forum lately, but it appears you still have an axe to grind with your acquaintances from the off-topic forum from several years past. Are you okay? These .gif files and such are strange on your part. Take care of yourself.


Don't worry Ken I'm still the same loveable David Elinvestig8r M.arston to those who treat me well. Those who don't can stand by. Thank you for your concern.

JoeJustJoe - 6-23-2018 at 12:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
The Laguna Hanson area is on my intended route for a trip this fall. I am very interested in any information about the recent events!

Anyone have an update, or link to a recent report? I would prefer even a third hand report to the first hand opinions being offered by the off topic posts that have turned this thread into another crap storm!


AKgringo, what more did you want to know?

According to reports two familes were robbed at gunpoint while camping, and authorities are advising against camping or visiting the area until further notice.

Rarely if ever do Mexican papers revisit events first covered in in the newspapers.

In case you don't know, these kind of "fear mongering" threads degenerate into Mexico/Mexican bashing threads, that say things like Mexico is nothing but a 3rd world country, that will always remain the same, or they start talking about Mexico tourism, where the haters believe the last tragic incident in Mexico, especially if it involves a gringo, will kill foreign tourism to Mexico forever.

The fear mongering, and bashing of Mexico, gets kinda old too. When I see these types of threads, I usually roll my eyes, and say, "here we go again."

The only thing different in this thread is that Chippy, started it by bringing up Trump, and saying it's going to get real ugly too. Although I share Chippy's views on Trump, I think bringing up Trump in this thread was uncalled for. Usually, it's the ultraconservatives that lead to degeneration of the threads.




[Edited on 6-23-2018 by JoeJustJoe]

grizzlyfsh95 - 6-23-2018 at 01:02 PM


The only thing different in this thread is that Chippy, started it by bringing up Trump, and saying it's going to get real ugly too. Although I share Chippy's views on Trump, I think bringing up Trump in this thread was uncalled for. Usually, it's the ultraconservatives that lead to degeneration of the threads.



Yeah right. Racist racist bigot bigot

AKgringo - 6-23-2018 at 01:43 PM

Thanks to SF & H for posting, and Kaslokid for translating the article. An arrest, and seizure of a firearm is a big deal!


JJJ, what I am hoping to hear from people in the area, is how the people who live in the area feel about this event, and their overall safety. Do they see this as a singular event, or something they see as a change in the local culture?

Dali Dali, check your U2U

JoeJustJoe - 6-23-2018 at 05:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Maderita  

The very few "locals" live on scattered ranches, miles apart. The nearest town (Ojos Negros) is 20 miles on dirt roads.
Knowing several ranchers of the Sierra de Juárez, I don't think that they see this a a change to their culture. This incident was likely perpetrated by a non-local, (may I guess, a drug addict from an urban area?). The first such incident in 22 years, hardly a "trend."

The "local crimes" I hear stories of involve suspected cattle rustling, a truck stolen from a ranch in the middle of the night, semi-wild dogs shot for killing livestock or "trespassing". (It's hard to blame the dogs, these ranch dogs must hunt for their meals). A ranch was torched to the ground and then abandoned. Rumor has it that they were mixed up with the wrong people (drug cartel).

There are concerns of safety in general. With guns being illegal (with a few exceptions), these isolated ranchers know that only the bad guys have guns. Army patrols search ranches and confiscate unauthorized firearms from ranchers, leaving them without personal protection. Cell service is not available through much of the sierra.

There is some drug running through the sierra, though it seems to have diminished somewhat since the 1990s. There is also some marijuana and opium poppy growing. It seems the locals know how to avoid problems with that. Some stories and the details are best not repeated...


Maderita, did you actually ask the local ranchers about the safely level in the area, and their general feelings how they feel about safety after this incident, or is this how you think they feel?

Next time you talk to the Mexican ranchers, tell them to register their firearms, and then don't let the army patrols to confiscate their firearms, because those Mexican farmers, or just about any Mexican citizen or foreign legal resident, have a Mexican Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

Oh it's not like gun happy USA, and Mexicans can't openly carry guns like a state in Arizona, nor could legally carry around an AK-15, AK-47, or any assault type weapon, but a 12 gauge shotgun should be fine, as long as they keep it in their ranch, and use it for self-defensive. Licensed sport hunting is also available in Mexico.













wilderone - 6-24-2018 at 07:01 AM

"I don't see how an isolated incident within the park would worry folks on the ranches too much."
Almost all those ranches are fenced, and of course, probably know who belongs or not. Who cares anyway - the focus would be on your safety if you plan to visit the campground. This type of crime hasn't happened around there in 20 years, one person arrested, the other one isn't going to act alone. I've camped several times in the area, NOT in the Natl Park campground - there are options.

AKgringo - 6-24-2018 at 07:48 AM

I appreciate the feedback from you folks! I have passed through there once before, in late 2014. In fact, it was one of my first post on this forum asking about the area; http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=75575&got...

I crossed at Tecate, turned south at Rumorosa, and wound up driving through to Ojo Negro. Next time I intend to cross at Mexicali, find the old Rumorosa grade up toward the park, then search for a fun route down the south east side of the divide.


On the last trip, I had a problem that required me to spend a couple of hours on the side of the road with my load spread out. I didn't need any help, but I was pleased to find that all of the local traffic stopped to offer it!

Murder right here at Malibu Creek Campground

bajamary1952 - 6-24-2018 at 12:24 PM

Here is an example of the fact that murders can occur anywhere in the world, including the good ole U.S. I think many Americans sometimes forget this.
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Man-Fatally-Shot-Ma...

Ken Cooke - 6-24-2018 at 12:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajamary1952  
Here is an example of the fact that murders can occur anywhere in the world, including the good ole U.S. I think many Americans sometimes forget this.
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Man-Fatally-Shot-Ma...


Gun + hot-headed idiots/thieves + innocent campers = bloodshed

fishbuck - 6-25-2018 at 06:01 PM

Thank you for the info.
An informed Nomad is a safe(er) Nomad.

"GOD made men big and small... Colonel Colt made them all equal.."

And don't ever forget that.

willardguy - 6-25-2018 at 06:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  
Thank you for the info.
An informed Nomad is a safe(er) Nomad.

"GOD made men big and small... Colonel Colt made them all equal.."

And don't ever forget that.


advantage Kalashnikov

fishbuck - 6-25-2018 at 06:29 PM

Andvatage AR...
Also a Colt.

fishbuck - 6-25-2018 at 06:37 PM

"Put your trust in God; but mind to keep your powder dry."
Cromwell

chuckie - 6-25-2018 at 08:11 PM

keyboard courage...

fishbuck - 6-25-2018 at 08:18 PM

Where you at? I'll explain it in person... if you really need it.;)
Quote: Originally posted by chuckie  
keyboard courage...

BajaDave - 7-9-2018 at 04:10 PM

Glad I didn't know about this before I camped there with my family on June 24 - 26. We had a wonderful time, and had the entire place to ourselves most of our stay. I normally make a habit of check in here right before a Baja trip, but just got too busy and didn't find the time. Ignorance truly can be bliss!

On the other hand, does anyone really think the perps will stay in (or regularly return to) the area and keep milking this cow? I kinda doubt it.

Maderita - 7-9-2018 at 08:06 PM

Update on armed robberies:
I received a message on June 26, 2018 of a third robbery. (In addition to the two at the Parque Nacional). The info was minimal. Location was at K38 of the dirt road between Laguna Hanson and and La Rumorosa (38 Km south of La Rumorosa, and approx 14 miles north of Laguna Hanson). If you are familiar with the area, it is a narrow rocky hill which has been improved with the addition a section of concrete surface). (The Rancho El Topo turnoff is at Km35).
A vehicle was stopped by a large rock or rocks placed in the road. Bandido jumped out with a gun.
In contrast to the two Laguna Hanson robberies, this "highway robbery" likely has local ranchers quite concerned.

Maderita - 7-9-2018 at 08:19 PM

BajaDave,
Glad that you were safe and had a wonderful stay in the park. Not surprising that you "had the entire place to ourselves most of our stay."
Were there no posted warning signs or contacts from rangers? Advisories were on the internet to stay away from the park until the situation was under control.

bajatrailrider - 7-9-2018 at 08:55 PM

Two Biking friends camped there 1 1/2 weeks ago had no problems.

bajaric - 8-3-2018 at 09:48 AM

Quick update, drove the dirt road from El Condor on Hwy 2 near Tecate to km 55 on Hwy 3 near Ojos Negros via Laguna Hanson to do a little exploration last Thursday. I have to say it was a little creepy. I was by myself, no other vehicles, no people, just some run down looking ranchos with locked gates and old cabins abandoned and falling to ruin. I was already a little jumpy, then I got out to check the road where it went through a bog and almost tripped over a dead black cow laying there. Whoa! :o After I changed my underwear :biggrin: I did some exploring then headed north. Got to the "choke point" at K38, saw the same stripped SUV sitting there (some good scrap metal for anyone who wants to go get it) and the plan was that if any rocks were in road to see how fast I could drive back down that hill in reverse... (As an aside, I worked at the OII landfill in Monterey park that had miles-long single lane dirt roads and learned how to drive backwards going 25 miles an hour looking in the side mirror). Anyhow, no rocks in road, no banditos, the campground at the "lake" was full of big groups of campers, appears peace and tranquility have once again returned to Laguna Hanson. Getting there from the north is a bit of an adventure but if you like miles upon miles of open space and fresh air it is pretty amazing to see what Southern California must have been like about a hundred years ago.

[Edited on 8-3-2018 by bajaric]

chuckie - 8-3-2018 at 10:07 AM

Poor Fishbuck...just cant get it right....IT IS ILLEGAL to have an unauthorized gun in MEXICO IT IS ILLEGAL TO SHOOT people....I expect Fishbuck to repond with some noble statement..IEG: It is better to yada yada...like I said Keyboard Kourage....

JoeJustJoe - 8-3-2018 at 10:30 AM

Chuckie wrote: " in MEXICO IT IS ILLEGAL TO SHOOT people."
___________________________________
Wrong, as usual.

chuckie - 8-3-2018 at 02:19 PM

Oh Yeah,I forgot......