BajaNomad - Post from Bloodydecks

Post from Bloodydecks

pascuale - 8-16-2006 at 02:57 PM

On SUNDAY Monday, August 13, 2006 at about 0700 a friend of mine was returning to California from Ensenada after a weekend in his trailer at King's Coronita RV Park. He was driving on the well paved and traffic of the toll road. Near La Salina his truck started making a funny noise under the hood and suspecting a fan belt he pulled over to the side of the road in plain view of all the passing traffic and lifted his hood.

Within a minute a car pulled up in front of him as if to offer help and blocked his entrance back onto the highway and the first person out of this vehicle was a shaved headed gangster from the passenger seat with a gun in his hand demanding that he get onto his knees. The rest of the group blocked the view.

Viet Nam Style: With the pistol placed onto the back of his head he pleaded for his life. They swore at him many times and he thought they were going to kill him for sure. They spoke perfect English.....all of them.

They then emptied his pockets and drove off with his truck which was loaded with the tools of his trade and his fishing tackle and much more.

By a stroke of luck they missed $200 in bills which he used to get back to his location in the RV Park to solicit help from his girlfriend back at home. He was left with nothing but his shirt and pants.

This was all accomplished very professionally. This obviously was not the first time these people have done this. My friend was in the wrong place at the wrong time and unfortunately these gangsters are patrolling the highway.

He then went to the Ensenada Police Department where men in uniform were busy eating their Twinkies and he spent the rest of the day and night trying to report this crime. At one point an "officer" requested a pen from him so that he could take some notes.

This is an experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone and one that will stay with him for the rest of his life. While you might rationalize with "Well this can happen to you anywhere" give me a list of "anywhere" and I assure you I won't travel there either.

With my boat in Marina Coral, my trailer in King's Coronita RV Park next door to the Marina I travel to and from almost every Friday-Sunday. I am now gravely concerned and more concerned for my wife who sometimes travels down there in her own vehicle. I am sure that if you stop they will find you and if no one is stopped they will find another way to stop you for their robberies.

Steve Ross/Bad Dog

Bruce R Leech - 8-16-2006 at 03:25 PM

Wow pascuale
thanks for the heads up

Frank - 8-16-2006 at 04:09 PM

Thanks Pascule I was wondering how to bring that over here.

Mexico is allowing itself to go out of control-------

Barry A. - 8-16-2006 at 08:37 PM

-----build the wall.

After 54 years, I give up on it as a place to go. So many places in the USA that I still need to see-----------

bajaguy - 8-16-2006 at 08:42 PM

Seems to me that if this is a problem, and I believe that only one event of this type is a big problem, the Caminos de Federales (sp???) should be using "bait" cars and snuff this (and the crooks) out

i

bajabound2005 - 8-16-2006 at 08:45 PM

yow! Should we all have the # for green angels programmed into our cells and call them when we are getting ready to pull over. HAve noticed them sitting waiting at almost all overpasses on the toll road. The emerg #, which I think works from ANY phone is 066. No other #s needed. But this kind of thing happening on the toll road is inexusable and unexplainable (sp)...

Roberto - 8-16-2006 at 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
yow! Should we all have the # for green angels programmed into our cells and call them when we are getting ready to pull over. HAve noticed them sitting waiting at almost all overpasses on the toll road. The emerg #, which I think works from ANY phone is 066. No other #s needed. But this kind of thing happening on the toll road is inexusable and unexplainable (sp)...

The Green Angels? Sure, that'll help. :lol:

bajaguy - 8-16-2006 at 09:05 PM

Maybe they should start issuing thr Green Angels some firepower along with the gasoline and spare parts

bajabound2005 - 8-16-2006 at 09:14 PM

well would not the green angels be better than NO ONE

Al G - 8-16-2006 at 09:25 PM

"They spoke perfect English.....all of them."
Sounds more like a SoCal chicano gang. Maybe they were coming back from a weekend party and decided to make some money to get back to the gutter.

Frank - 8-16-2006 at 09:26 PM

Steve Ross is also a writer for The Log newspaper as well as a fish killer.

bancoduo - 8-16-2006 at 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frank
Steve Ross is also a writer for The Log newspaper as well as a fish killer.

What is your point? He is a writer for the log. Are you calling him a liar. :cool:

bancoduo - 8-16-2006 at 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frank
Steve Ross is also a writer for The Log newspaper as well as a fish killer.

Looking at your avatar you must also be a fish killer.:moon:

Frank - 8-16-2006 at 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bancoduo

Quote:

Originally posted by Frank
Steve Ross is also a writer for The Log newspaper as well as a fish killer.

What is your point? He is a writer for the log. Are you calling him a liar. :cool:

Nope just the opposite.

Roberto - 8-17-2006 at 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
well would not the green angels be better than NO ONE

Nope, it's about the same thing, because asking for help from the Green Angels is like - oh yeah - asking no one. These guys specialize in finding the closest shaded spot to hang out under. I have NEVER seen them anywhere where they might be needed, like in the boonies. I can just imagine them stepping into a potentially risky situation. :rolleyes:

. One thing you can be sure of, and that is that they know about this stuff, the kind of place it happens and where to stay away from. If the cops aren't directly involved, there's an agreement in place.

BB2005, you seem well-intentioned, but you have a lot to learn about the way things work down there.

[Edited on 8-17-2006 by Roberto]

capt. mike - 8-17-2006 at 04:29 AM

.......keep it up Mexico and Baja.....don't clean up your act and see where all the $$$$ goes. :fire:

lots of GREAT places to go and see all over the world and the USA. Mexico is fun, used to be cheap, but ain't the only game around. Glad i have options for my entertainment peso.

Bruce R Leech - 8-17-2006 at 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
well would not the green angels be better than NO ONE

they sure would be more helpful than the Federals :lol:

bajajudy - 8-17-2006 at 06:28 AM

The Green Angels in BCS are very helpful, although calling them for an armed robbery doesnt make any sense. But then we dont hear about that kind of stuff down here either. I am not saying it doesnt happen but I have never heard of it.

bajarich - 8-17-2006 at 07:01 AM

If you travel in the States, you also run a risk anytime you are stopped along the roads. Here in Utah we have had at least two murders of motorists and several rapes in the last few years, and I suspect the numbers are worse for California. There are a lot of sleezballs out there and many are traveling on the freeways. That's the reason I would never camp overnight at a freeway rest stop or even in sight of the freeway.

It's not just in Mexico, we also have our share of drug gangs and individuals who would take advantage of a stranded motorist. Just recently there was a sniper shooting people on the freeway in the midwest, he killed one person and wounded another. The truth is, you're vulnerable just about anywhere.

Pascuale

Baja Bernie - 8-17-2006 at 07:30 AM

Not sure of the first half of your story! But that it is where the drug guys used to drop bodies alongside the road.

The part about the cops in Ensenada I can validate from more than one first hand experience. Heck, when my wife was robbed, in our house--La Salina--at gun point, they asked for $20.00 for gas so they could come out and investigate--they never showed up.

Will give it to the local cops because they found the guy (an American who had killed someone in Flordia and was hiding in Baja) a couple of years later. After he had held a few more Americans up in their camps and killed one guy at La Playa La Mision.

That is why I have been saying, for over 25 years, you have to be aware of your environment no matter where you are. ( see stories in "The Underbelly of Baja in my next book--they were put in with this type of thing in mind).

Just think how lucky you were!

I agree with the thought that they were Cholos from up north.

Hook - 8-17-2006 at 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajarich
If you travel in the States, you also run a risk anytime you are stopped along the roads. Here in Utah we have had at least two murders of motorists and several rapes in the last few years, and I suspect the numbers are worse for California. There are a lot of sleezballs out there and many are traveling on the freeways. That's the reason I would never camp overnight at a freeway rest stop or even in sight of the freeway.

It's not just in Mexico, we also have our share of drug gangs and individuals who would take advantage of a stranded motorist. Just recently there was a sniper shooting people on the freeway in the midwest, he killed one person and wounded another. The truth is, you're vulnerable just about anywhere.

The difference between the occasional incident in the States and Baja is that you can usually count on the authorities to be part of the solution in the US, whereas it is common for the police to be part of the problem in Baja. This is just a general statement and may not apply to this incident.

In addition, in the States, we have such a great network of roads that it's easy to route around known danger zones. Nobody HAS to drive through downtown Compton or Inglewood to get to their destinations. But in Baja, especially if towing or driving something large, we are pretty much forced to run the gauntlet between TJ and Maneadero.

Mexico is changing fast.....can you imagine what will happen to the level of crime if the US makes good on plans to stem the flow of illegals? All those unemployed people and a reduction in that money being sent home to Mexico will have to find an outlet in some kind of illegal activity. At least a portion of it will.

Like Don Jorge, I also feel like my days in Mexico are numbered...........

Cypress - 8-17-2006 at 11:51 AM

Highway muggers! Bad idea! Dangerous venture, low profits. A high profile/dumb way of attempting to make an illegal living. Sorta what you'd call a dead end job.

Skeet/Loreto - 8-17-2006 at 12:59 PM

Suggestion:
Keeo your Eyes and Ears Open and be aware of your Surrondings:
Do not go through LA if Possible! Going South take Pasadena Exit 210 over to Hwy 60 then down Hwy 15 and cut off and go through Tecate then to Ensenada.
My wife and I did that fo many years and I did that 2 Months ago.Caused by the LA Freeway Shooters that have been around for years!Judge your Traffic Lights through Manadero where by you do not have to Stop.
Once you are below the chance of a "Happening" is less.

Move out of Baja Norte and come live with the Good People where there is still many , many places to get Isolated{BAJA SUR}.
Travel in the Daylight, except early in the Morning.
Get a Dog to Travel with you if you are alone, Don't get out of the Car if you have that "Gut Feeling" that says to you"It just don't feel Right/
Carry a "Fish Killer Club" in your Door Panel.

I just finished my "Required Course for Concealed Handgun Permit" here in the Great State Of Texas where I am an Elected Official. Advised to by the Local Sheriff and the Acts of some of my Neighbors at the Aldermans Meetings.

There are more Crazys everywhere, not just California and Baja.
Be Aware of your Surrondings!! Leave the Beer til you get to your Destination.

Anon The Preacher

Martyman - 8-17-2006 at 01:46 PM

All this paranoia! Let's all just stay in our houses and watch the evening news where all this crap is exagerated. chit does happen I admit, but to dwell on it until fear rules your life is loco. All this fear (expressed above)breeds more fear and paranoia. Laugh in its face, do what you want. Good things happen to those who do the right thing

Life is good

Sharksbaja - 8-17-2006 at 02:07 PM

:lol:

You guys(and gals) are TOO FUNNY!

Tanks for the entertainment!!

Martyman-----

Barry A. - 8-17-2006 at 02:08 PM

One man's paranoia is another man's reality.

If you choose to ignor what appears to some of us to be an increasing problem in Mexico, then so be it.

After dozens of trips into primitive Baja, I prefer to fall back on my 50+ years of experience in Mexico and take what I think is a safer course, both for me, and my family and friends, and better our odds of having a good time in the USA and CANADA. When traveling I prefer to feel relaxed------not always looking over my shoulder, and fearing for my families safety. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose, and our perception of what is actually going on around us.

Bueno Suerte, Amigo.

jimgrms - 8-17-2006 at 02:15 PM

I am sure that when the bandidos start pulling well to do mexicans over to rob them then something will be done about it proably barry is right thier is lots to see in the USA ,

Sharksbaja - 8-17-2006 at 02:31 PM

One thing is for sure. In L.A. you won't hear all the heinous crimes that happen on a regular basis. Not enough time on the news!

DanO - 8-17-2006 at 03:05 PM

By all means, people should avoid going to BCN and if they're already there, they should go south. Less traffic for me, and fewer ATVers making life on the beach miserable. Sorry Dave, if the resulting reduction in tourism and population hurts your business, but people need to live in fear. It's their nature.

That snark aside, I have a true story to recount that relates to this discussion. We live in Santa Monica, CA, and went down to La Bocana for the 4th of July holiday in 2005. A good time was had by all, and we got a late start out, and didn't get home until just before midnight. We walked into the house and found that it had been burglarized and totally ransacked. Doors broken off of dressers, windows broken, etc. I suppose it's fortunate, but we don't collect much in the way of valuable items. The major losses were my wife's computer and her wedding ring (my fault -- I was supposed to take it in to get it fixed, and kept putting it off; now I've got to buy a new one). I couldn't help thinking that if we'd just not been away, it wouldn't have happened. But I'm not trading Baja for anything, so I got over it.

As far as crime in Baja goes, I do what I do anywhere I travel -- I'm observant about my surroundings, I stay out of areas where trouble is likely, and I conduct myself in a measured way so as not to attract attention to myself. If something happens, I'll deal with it, but I'm not going to live life looking over my shoulder.

Dano----Ref. your last sentence----

Barry A. - 8-17-2006 at 04:53 PM

-----Me either. That is why I moved out of S. CA about 20 years ago, and now I probably will not visit Baja CA anymore.

But, we still have a wonderful time as there are so many places up here to see and have fun "without looking over my shoulder".

But, I do get your point------just am probably more mobile than you.

Barry

Skeet/Loreto - 8-17-2006 at 06:12 PM

As Ole FDR said so may years ago"We Have nothing to Fear, except Fear Itself"!
Fear is a sign of imaturity!

We who watch the commercials on TV and the Daily Rags can easily see that "Fear" is being Sold in Todays World. For example the Commercial on the "North Star System" on GMAC Vehicles, The Ad on Home Burgulary Alarm Systems.
Some of the Political Characters spout it everytime they get a Microphone.
The only time I have been "Afraid" is when I thought that the Lady I was Dancin with would not let me take her Home after the Dance!!
Com on Nomads, loosin up and enjoy your life, Live each Day as if it was your Last!!

Anon the Preacher

Al G - 8-17-2006 at 07:11 PM

Skeet, Some will listen and most will not. Life is today, with common sense, and without regrets.
I believe in tomorrow, and if the gutter spills over, I will deal with it then.

Fear

MrBillM - 8-17-2006 at 07:24 PM

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" might be a hard sell to the surviving family members of the many innocent people senselessly killed each day.

Hoping for the best, but being prepared for the worst is a wise axiom whether you are in the U.S., Mexico or anywhere else.

Thousands of examples of that could be recited. One I remember was the case of the Three German Tourists enjoying the beauty of the mountain trails near Idyllwild. They were accosted by a couple of thugs and dutifully handed over their belongings. At which time, they were all three shot dead.

There are a lot of bad guys out there.

Bruce R Leech - 8-17-2006 at 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" might be a hard sell to the surviving family members of the many innocent people senselessly killed each day.

Hoping for the best, but being prepared for the worst is a wise axiom whether you are in the U.S., Mexico or anywhere else.

Thousands of examples of that could be recited. One I remember was the case of the Three German Tourists enjoying the beauty of the mountain trails near Idyllwild. They were accosted by a couple of thugs and dutifully handed over their belongings. At which time, they were all three shot dead.

There are a lot of bad guys out there.

Dito

Skeet-----

Barry A. - 8-17-2006 at 07:27 PM

Fear it may be----I don't really know for sure-----but I don't really think so, at least not in the way I think you mean it. If it were just me alone, then sure, I would have no real qualms about returning, and just being sensible and watching what is going on around me (as so many have said), but when you have your family and friends that are relying on you for their safety, then that is a different matter, it seems to me.

To me it is just a matter of "odds"-------and I don't like taking chances with with other people within my sphere of responsibility. To me the odds in Baja Norte have just tipped too far in the wrong direction, and I don't need that.

I have had my fling in Baja------for 54 years-----it is time for me (emphathize "me") to move on.

Perhaps I am over reacting, I really don't know------but this decision was a long time coming---------but heh, nothing is permanent, you know, and I may change my mind. :lol:

Frank - 8-17-2006 at 08:21 PM

Oh this wont stop me either, it was just to a reminder to keep your guard up. BTW Not all Bald headed "Vatos" are bad guys. Dont shoot me if I come by to see if your in need of help :lol:

[Edited on 8-18-2006 by Frank]

Skeet/Loreto - 8-18-2006 at 03:26 AM

Nomads.
Barry as I too spent many years and Good times on my beloved Sea of Cortez and mostly Baja Sur I was very Lucky never having toFear,even when I left my young Children for a Month at a time with the Mexicano Families of Loreto and San Nicholas.
Times have Changed, I too have been surprised at the 'meaness" going on in many places in the States.
I would suggest a Trip up the West coast of Vancouver Island, Bamfield, Tatish, Ucluet, Port Alice or try Montana around Toston, Three Forks, Ennis, or Dillon{you can see 3 Mountain Ranges}.Or last but not least try the West Texas around Spur, Jayton, Roaring Springs, Matador, Sweetwater, Roby and Rotan{Still very quiet and peacefull}.

The Baja Peace that you and I have known will never return because the People of the States and Baja have changed with the times-Good ,Bad or Inderferent-
To leave behind Baja has been a very difficult time in my Life-We have to move on without Fear what ever we do in the remainder of our Lives.
I have found that Peace in the "Prayer of Jabez' Chron 4;10

Skeet/Loreto

Debra - 8-18-2006 at 04:09 AM

Skeeter old Pal......

As onerry as you come off to some, I have to say, I really love you and your old school ethics, you have a heart as big as your Great State of Texas and the additude to back it up!

Aside to "Annon the Preacher: If you get bounced from the forum again, you know my email (I kind of miss our old Doctrine exchanges)

BTW: You are suggesting a visit up North for others......My home is open to you and Virginia.....come on up! If I'm south, I'll leave the keys under the mat! Debra

[Edited on 8-18-2006 by Debra]

bajajudy - 8-18-2006 at 06:28 AM

Read the book "State of Fear" by Crichton.

bancoduo - 8-18-2006 at 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Don Jorge
I don't think Bad Dog was ascared or did his original post strike me as fearful. He was concerned for the safety of his wife, as a husband should always be.

Capt Mike was right. The world is very small these days. I can choose to take my toys and dollars just about anywhere these days and be there in hours.

Some of us have lived, fished, hiked and screwed around in Baja for many years and we find ourselves with a bit of health left in us along with disposable income. Of course we are going to look for other places to continue hunting, fishing and exploring, both here in our own country and abroad.

I have been robbed and lost stuff in more than one country in this hemisphere, but I have been shot at in only one, here in the USA. Fear, no. Wanting to find that next secluded spot with warm waves, seafood and happy smiling people, yes.

I know where some of the best snook fishing is in the world, it breaks on the rivermouth just right and the shrimp are plentiful and only cost the time to throw the net and haul it in.

It isn't here or in Baja. There they don't fish the mouth of the numerous estuaries with gillnets and they release the billfish and noone hardly even fishes the inside reef and rocky stuff where the snappers and jacks rip line. The water is always warm and life is good.

It is not fear that is driving some of us away but the same driving force that steered us to Baja 30+ years ago when we were teenagers. It is a desire to go outside of the boxes, boxes which are quickly being exported to Baja, which will keep some of us moving on.

Tell us where this place is. It must be in need of development :lol:

Bob H - 8-18-2006 at 08:36 AM

My wife and I travel all over the world and are never afraid, just aware of what's going on around us. Something like this happens anywhere, at any given moment. We will still be wandering around Baja in the future without any fear.
That's MHO... Bob H

Skeet/Don Jorge--------

Barry A. - 8-18-2006 at 08:47 AM

Great posts, both well said. Thank you for expanding on what I am trying to say.

It is funny, tho. I have NEVER had even the slightest problem or scare in the USA or Canada, but then I have usually avoided those places that people warn us about. Since we camp almost exclusively in the boonies, we seldom have encountered ANYBODY, let alone folks that are worrisome, and in the States we are always armed and prepared----a luxary not legally possible in Mexico or Canada (and that has ALWAYS made me slightly uncomfortable).

Skeeter-------thanks mucho for the suggestions of places to explore---some I have never heard of (the Texas places) but you can be sure we will check them all out---in a few cases for the second time.

Mexico will always occupy a special place in my heart, like Skeeter, and I will continue to be very interested in what is going on there, especially in Baja, and encourage all of you to continue exploring it's many treasures--------just be really careful, and alert.

Barry

oxxo - 8-18-2006 at 09:22 AM

We have traveled and lived all over the world. We usually take public transportation and try to keep a low profile. We have been mugged twice. The first time was in Los Angeles at 7 am on a Sunday (we were out for a morning walk) when a black teenager simulated a gun in his coat pocket and took about $30 and my wedding ring. Then we were attacked (blindsided) without provocation in San Jose Costa Rica by a mentally derainged black rasta mon from Jamaica. Not good to mix Prozac and gangi! I was cut and bruised but the local Costa Ricans rescued me and were very concerned for my well being. They called a cab for us and the Jamaican ran down the street after the cab throwing bricks at us.

We were perusing one of the local markets in a Guadalajara several years ago, when a 20 something senorita came up to us out of the crowd with a worried look on her face and said in broken English, "good, you go now." We got the message and left the area immediately.

We feel very comfortable and safe enough making a home in BCS. We love the Mexican people.

Hook

Baja Bernie - 8-18-2006 at 03:10 PM

Absolutely right on----

"The difference between the occasional incident in the States and Baja is that you can usually count on the authorities to be part of the solution in the US, whereas it is common for the police to be part of the problem in Baja."

I wouldn't want to edit your post but...

Dave - 8-18-2006 at 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo
Then we were attacked (blindsided) without provocation in San Jose Costa Rica by a mentally derainged black rasta mon from Jamaica. Not good to mix Prozac and gangi!

You were probably attacked because Rasta Mon wasn't on Prozac and ganga.

Attacked at Gunpoint on Toll Road

elgatoloco - 8-25-2006 at 11:57 AM

http://www.gringogazettenorth.com/3.htm