BajaNomad

HWY 3 SHOOTING/ ROBBERY ATTEMPT

Tioloco - 11-17-2024 at 09:12 AM

Anyone have further info on the (Baja 1000 race)chase truck shot up by cartel members near Valle de Trinidad yesterday? Sounds like the driver and passengers narrowly escaped with their lives.

David K - 11-17-2024 at 02:01 PM

This was sent to me to share here...

Valle Trinidad Baja 1000 shhoting.jpg - 178kB

Udo - 11-17-2024 at 03:47 PM

It was never printed publically in FB's Baja South Campos Amigos

David K - 11-17-2024 at 05:17 PM

Here is the source post group page (Reporte Ciudadano San Felipe):

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SanFelipeBCMexico/permalink/...

Updated link!

[Edited on 11-18-2024 by David K]

BajaBlanca - 11-17-2024 at 08:45 PM

This is so scary. SO SCARY!

Bajazly - 11-17-2024 at 09:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  
...shot up by cartel members ...


Where did you see it was cartel related? Not really their MO, probably just bonehead tweeters.

Tioloco - 11-17-2024 at 10:11 PM

5 guys with long guns is a fairly well armed group. Lends itself to a cartel squad more than some "bonehead tweakers".
When the victim took evasive action, they were chased and their vehicle was shot multiple times.

Victims were extremely lucky to not be hit by any of the rounds that pierced their vehicle.

Heads up for that area. This was a very brazen attack during a busy weekend of the Baja 1000 race.

Udo - 11-18-2024 at 08:49 AM

Extremely lucky!

Thanks for sharing this post David!


Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  
5 guys with long guns is a fairly well armed group. Lends itself to a cartel squad more than some "bonehead tweakers".
When the victim took evasive action, they were chased and their vehicle was shot multiple times.

Victims were extremely lucky to not be hit by any of the rounds that pierced their vehicle.

Heads up for that area. This was a very brazen attack during a busy weekend of the Baja 1000 race.

4x4abc - 11-18-2024 at 09:47 AM

this is at least the 2nd one
I believe there was one more, but I can't find the reference

https://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=96838

Lee - 11-18-2024 at 09:53 AM

On the road ''approximately 3am.....? Guess bad hombres don't sleep.

Similar story happened S. of SF not too long ago on 5.

AKgringo - 11-18-2024 at 10:09 AM

My guess, based only on what I have read here, is that they were car thieves who wanted his truck.

I wouldn't think that cartel leaders would want this kind of attention drawn to their area of operation, but I could be wrong!

JDCanuck - 11-18-2024 at 12:56 PM

There was also this one just before the election but not in Baja:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/american-nicholas-quets-killed-...

Tioloco - 11-18-2024 at 02:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck  
There was also this one just before the election but not in Baja:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/american-nicholas-quets-killed-...


Another senseless murder

Biznaga - 11-18-2024 at 06:06 PM

Another senseless murder, I absolutely agree. This incident happened on MX HWY 2. This is at least the third shooting in the past year, on HWY 2 in this general area. Most of these incidents happened late at night. This area of Sonora has been under a struggle for control between at least two different cartels for quite some time.

The U.S. Dept of State has had this section of Sonora under "may not travel into or through" status for a long time;

"Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry: U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality".

here is a map of the "restricted area - red zones" for Sonora and Sinaloa. The yellow lines are where US Government employees are allowed to travel, during daylight hours only;

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=12wpiYBptaFKm94SUs_...

Now compare that Sonora - Sinaloa map, with the Baja "restricted area - red zones" map here;

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1rgiXg7mI9WRw-LK6P8...

The most recent fatal attack victim was a former U.S. Marine from southern Arizona. He was traveling with two other people. They were en-route to Puerto Penasco aka Rocky Point. For some unknown reason, they decided to cross the border in Nogales, rather than Lukeville, and head down to HWY 2, then westbound towards Rocky Point.

Early news reports from the two survivors stated that they encountered a "unofficial checkpoint" in the dark. The victim was driving, and decided to run the checkpoint, rather then stop. A vehicle or two chased after them, and started shooting at the victims truck. One bullet pierced the back of the truck, and struck the victim.

unfortunately, this news article is behind a paywall, so I'll copy and paste the text below;

"A Tucson man was fatally shot Friday night while traveling through a volatile part of northwest Sonora, on the same highway where two Arizona women were killed in an August shooting and where a U.S. resident was killed in December.The U.S. State Department identified the man who was shot as Nicholas Douglas Quets, a U.S. citizen. It provided no further details on Monday.Quets, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was traveling from Nogales to Puerto Peñasco with friends, his family said.The Oct. 18 shooting took place just before 8 p.m. near Altar, Sonora, at kilometer 74 of Federal Highway 2, between Altar and Caborca, the Sonora Attorney General’s Office said. A vehicle pulled up alongside the 31-year-old man’s pickup truck and opened fire in a “direct attack,” the Sonora Attorney General’s Office said in a news release. Immediately before the shooting, an armed group had tried to stop his vehicle at a checkpoint, a Sonora state official confirmed, speaking on background. The gunmen opened fire after the man’s vehicle did not stop. Failure to stop at an “illicit checkpoint” also preceded the December late-night killing of a U.S. resident and the wounding of two others, including a U.S. citizen, on the same highway, the Arizona Daily Star reported at the time. In a third incident, on Aug. 23 at 10:30 a.m., two Arizona women ages 72 and 82 were found fatally shot in their overturned vehicle, on a different segment of Federal Highway 2, as they traveled from Lukeville to their hometown of Caborca. One of the women was a U.S. citizen, and one was a lawful permanent resident, the Star reported. Sonora law enforcement — including the state’s criminal investigative unit, AMIC; the Mexican Navy; and air support — quickly launched a search operation in the Altar-Caborca desert region to find the culprits in the Oct. 18 attack, but came under fire from criminal elements over the weekend, the AG’s office said in a Monday news release".

I realize these incidents did not happen in our beloved Baja, but the HWY 3 late-night incident sure did. So what are the lessons available from these incidents, for us Nomads?

One of the lessons a salty old Baja Nomad taught me decades ago, was to do everything you can to avoid driving at night. Back then, that was more about cows and rocks in the road, plus the drop-offs and crazy truck drivers on HWY 1.

another useful lesson is do research and try to follow the State Dept's travel recommendations, prior to entering a unfamiliar part of Mexico.

the potential lesson that I really struggle with, is weather or not to stop at what looks like an unofficial checkpoint. This one is really tough for me. I think it would really depend if it was daylight of after dark. We've all read stories where someone stops, and things work out ok. Then, there are tragic stories like what happened to this former Marine. I'm only guessing that he had to make a split second decision, weather to stop, or to blow through the fake checkpoint, and avoid conflict with the bad guys.

if you are willing to share your thoughts or lessons with the rest of your Nomads, what would you do? You come up to a fake checkpoint somewhere in Baja, late at night. Would you stop, or drive around it? What if it was in broad daylight?

this forum is for sharing your tips, tricks, potential hazards and lessons learned with your fellow Nomads. We can all learn from each other.

wishing you all peace, love and fish tacos




advrider - 11-18-2024 at 10:10 PM

I've plaid this scenario in my head many times. On my moto, I would probably make a run, but not sure. I guess it would depend on the vibe. Same in a car, just not sure on the answer. Might depend on when and where it happened.
I've known several people that have been stopped in mainland Mexico by cartels at check points, in pretty remote areas and didn't have any problems.

Lee - 11-19-2024 at 06:02 AM

More likely bad things will happen at night. Don’t drive in the dark.

Not even a question. Not stopping at what looks like a bogus checkpoint.

Ken Cooke - 11-19-2024 at 09:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee  
More likely bad things will happen at night. Don’t drive in the dark.

Not even a question. Not stopping at what looks like a bogus checkpoint.

I second this idea.

JDCanuck - 11-19-2024 at 09:54 AM

Pick the route with caution, drive during the day and stop at every check point, suspicious or not. Better yet, fly and avoid the hassle and rent a vehicle down there or leave one you own for your use when you arrive if you go frequently. An extra vehicle is cheap insurance.

Lee - 11-19-2024 at 10:17 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck  
Pick the route with caution, drive during the day and stop at every check point, suspicious or not. Better yet, fly and avoid the hassle and rent a vehicle down there or leave one you own for your use when you arrive if you go frequently. An extra vehicle is cheap insurance.


If a checkpoint looks suspicious, why would you stop?

If I'm going to be shot, better off running than taken out in the desert.

A bogus checkpoint in MX will probably do you harm. Trust your gut.

JDCanuck - 11-19-2024 at 12:42 PM

People who ran got shot, people who didn't weren't shot, so I guess if you run they are convinced you were the ones they were looking for. No more questions asked.

Lee - 11-19-2024 at 03:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck  
People who ran got shot, people who didn't weren't shot, so I guess if you run they are convinced you were the ones they were looking for. No more questions asked.


Who were stopped and didn't get shot? Must be more story I haven't read.

In the story I read, banditos wanted a Baja chase truck. Think the Marine shot was targeted. He wasn't running.

PaulW - 11-19-2024 at 03:29 PM

The Marine was targeted because he was the driver

Stop or run -- What a choice.
On the middle of the night I would run

Tioloco - 11-19-2024 at 03:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee  
Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck  
People who ran got shot, people who didn't weren't shot, so I guess if you run they are convinced you were the ones they were looking for. No more questions asked.


Who were stopped and didn't get shot? Must be more story I haven't read.

In the story I read, banditos wanted a Baja chase truck. Think the Marine shot was targeted. He wasn't running.


A previous incident a year or 2 ago in same area (Valle de Trinidad) where bandidos took truck, trailer and utv after holding them up at gunpoint.

Is a lose/lose situation either way whether you stop or run. Often, check points are set up by legitimate officers but use unmarked vehicles. I have come across several of these in northern Baja and Sonora. At some point, the government must get serious about more patrols and put a stop to this craziness.

In this particular instance this time, the victims chose to run. They narrowly escaped without being physically injured but their vehicle has several bullet holes. Could have turned out worse in any scenario you run thru your head on this one.

JDCanuck - 11-19-2024 at 04:42 PM

Lee: Not this particular case, but others reported earlier in the thread that were stopped. And yes, I have been stopped at unmarked checkpoints where there were no National Guard or other State vehicles or uniforms present. Were they legitimate or not? In each case, I did stop and they just waved me through after a brief look at the vehicle.

Lee - 11-20-2024 at 09:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JDCanuck  
Lee: Not this particular case, but others reported earlier in the thread that were stopped. And yes, I have been stopped at unmarked checkpoints where there were no National Guard or other State vehicles or uniforms present. Were they legitimate or not? In each case, I did stop and they just waved me through after a brief look at the vehicle.


I've been stopped an a non-military immigration checkpoint S. of Camalu long ago and in a lifetime of Baja travel, that's been it. In daylight, I would recognize a military checkpoint vs. one with banditos. Guess there are non-military checkpoints that look like the real thing but I haven't seen them.

I do look for the latter and prepared not to stop. Also have a flare device within easy reach I would use in case of an emergency. I don't mean to signal an emergency.

In the case of the Baja chase truck, I believe stopping would have been a big mistake.

wilderone - 11-20-2024 at 10:11 AM

Your travel decisions and "what ifs" can be better evaluated once the risks are known. There were I think three separate incidents on 10/6/24 in that area, with 6 people dead. Not sure if the dead are the bad guys or innocent victims. Injured include women and a teenager. This area has been violent for a while - the perpetrators aren't going away. Sure, plenty of traffic on Mex. 3 - not everyone becomes a victim. Legit checkpoints in the area, but how effective? Eliminate the risk.

"4 men shot dead in Trinidad Valley- October 6, 2024 Around 12:00 hours, this Sunday it was reported through C4 that, elements of the National Guard located a pickup type vehicle, at kilometer 108 of the Ensenada-San Felipe road, a few meters from the terrace in the delegation of the Valley of Trinidad. Inside the vehicle were found four male people, with gunshot wounds, who were not responding to the call. As a result, notice was given to the State Prosecutor General's Office to those who have the responsibility to carry out the relevant investigation.
There are 6 people dead after the shootings registered in the Trinidad Valley and there are more than 10 people injured more information developing."

October 6, 2024 At least three dead and one injured is the result of another armed confrontation, this time in the area of Laguna de Hanson, in the Sierra de Juarez, between criminals and Army personnel. Unofficial data obtained by Patrulla 646 They indicate that around noon a group of suspected criminals possibly involved in a series of armed confrontations in the Trinidad Valley encountered Army personnel. In the process there was a confrontation with military personnel and three of the criminals were shot down, one was injured.
Apparently the group that faced the militia, form part of those who starred between the dawn and the morning of this Sunday October 6 a series of shootings in the Trinidad Valley and were looking to cross the gaps heading to the Rumorosa by roads from the Juarez Sierra. On the way, they ran into military men. Since the confrontations began, restrictions and checkpoints were placed in various gaps and roads in La Calentura, Sierra de Juarez and heading to San Felipe."


"Shooting leaves one dead and 8 injured in the Trinidad Valley
The Municipal Public Safety Directorate reports that, through the C4 emergency system, a report of firearm detonations was received in the village of Valle de la Trinidad. After verifying the information with the personnel assigned to the area, the veracity of the call was confirmed. In response, a coordinated operation was implemented with the State Prosecutor General's Office, the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), the State Force and other security authorities, moving to the scene. Upon arriving at kilometer 118 of the Ensenada-San Felipe highway, two Tahoe-type vehicles were located, one in black color and one in gold, both with firearm shocks.
Later on the Ensenada-San Felipe highway, at km 119, a male person was seen, who did not respond to the call, so the support of paramedics was requested who determined that he lacked vital signs, so he coordinated the area.
Subsequently to the delegation of the Valley of Trinidad, a minor of 17 years old arrived, injured by skirting from, apparently, gunfire, which was transferred by his own means to a nosocomium.
Also, support was provided to emergency units to transfer three injured male people, presumed by gunshot strikes, to a hospital in Ensenada for medical care.
In addition, three other female people were admitted to the hospital are recorded, who were also treated for possible injuries related to the incident. It can be reported that at the last moment he arrived at the Trinidad Valley delegation, a male injured by allegedly shooting a firearm, himself being evaluated by paramedics.
The Municipal Public Safety Directorate, in coordination with other authorities, maintains presence in the area to ensure safety."


Tioloco - 11-20-2024 at 11:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  
Your travel decisions and "what ifs" can be better evaluated once the risks are known. There were I think three separate incidents on 10/6/24 in that area, with 6 people dead. Not sure if the dead are the bad guys or innocent victims. Injured include women and a teenager. This area has been violent for a while - the perpetrators aren't going away. Sure, plenty of traffic on Mex. 3 - not everyone becomes a victim. Legit checkpoints in the area, but how effective? Eliminate the risk.

"4 men shot dead in Trinidad Valley- October 6, 2024 Around 12:00 hours, this Sunday it was reported through C4 that, elements of the National Guard located a pickup type vehicle, at kilometer 108 of the Ensenada-San Felipe road, a few meters from the terrace in the delegation of the Valley of Trinidad. Inside the vehicle were found four male people, with gunshot wounds, who were not responding to the call. As a result, notice was given to the State Prosecutor General's Office to those who have the responsibility to carry out the relevant investigation.
There are 6 people dead after the shootings registered in the Trinidad Valley and there are more than 10 people injured more information developing."

October 6, 2024 At least three dead and one injured is the result of another armed confrontation, this time in the area of Laguna de Hanson, in the Sierra de Juarez, between criminals and Army personnel. Unofficial data obtained by Patrulla 646 They indicate that around noon a group of suspected criminals possibly involved in a series of armed confrontations in the Trinidad Valley encountered Army personnel. In the process there was a confrontation with military personnel and three of the criminals were shot down, one was injured.
Apparently the group that faced the militia, form part of those who starred between the dawn and the morning of this Sunday October 6 a series of shootings in the Trinidad Valley and were looking to cross the gaps heading to the Rumorosa by roads from the Juarez Sierra. On the way, they ran into military men. Since the confrontations began, restrictions and checkpoints were placed in various gaps and roads in La Calentura, Sierra de Juarez and heading to San Felipe."


"Shooting leaves one dead and 8 injured in the Trinidad Valley
The Municipal Public Safety Directorate reports that, through the C4 emergency system, a report of firearm detonations was received in the village of Valle de la Trinidad. After verifying the information with the personnel assigned to the area, the veracity of the call was confirmed. In response, a coordinated operation was implemented with the State Prosecutor General's Office, the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), the State Force and other security authorities, moving to the scene. Upon arriving at kilometer 118 of the Ensenada-San Felipe highway, two Tahoe-type vehicles were located, one in black color and one in gold, both with firearm shocks.
Later on the Ensenada-San Felipe highway, at km 119, a male person was seen, who did not respond to the call, so the support of paramedics was requested who determined that he lacked vital signs, so he coordinated the area.
Subsequently to the delegation of the Valley of Trinidad, a minor of 17 years old arrived, injured by skirting from, apparently, gunfire, which was transferred by his own means to a nosocomium.
Also, support was provided to emergency units to transfer three injured male people, presumed by gunshot strikes, to a hospital in Ensenada for medical care.
In addition, three other female people were admitted to the hospital are recorded, who were also treated for possible injuries related to the incident. It can be reported that at the last moment he arrived at the Trinidad Valley delegation, a male injured by allegedly shooting a firearm, himself being evaluated by paramedics.
The Municipal Public Safety Directorate, in coordination with other authorities, maintains presence in the area to ensure safety."



Seems like that area (Hwy 3) has been a dangerous hotbed of activity lately. Bummer for Mikes Sky Ranch and Laguna Hanson and all the other areas nearby.

Drone support?

Ken Cooke - 11-20-2024 at 11:52 AM

Probably the only way around this dangerous, new phenomenon will involve traveling with a drone/spotter. If anyone has watched, "The Story Til Now" on YouTube, you are already familiar with their drone utilization while driving in the Canadian backcountry. Its a lot of trouble adding this extra step, and on areas with long straightaways, this would not work. But it is an idea, at least.