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True Report?

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oxxo - 4-29-2008 at 12:31 PM

This report was posted today on Trip Advisors Baja Forum. It was posted by "longhornjohn" who has been a member of that Forum for about one year and lists his location as Lompoc, CA. I don't know if it is true or not. I am posting just for informational purposes.

*******************************

Hello to all, I am writing this as a heads up for ANYONE thinking of (driving) along the central area of Baja enroute to Santa Rosalia, La Paz or Cabo San Lucas, two words, USE CAUTION. The following happened to me this past Saturday.

On Thursday April 17th I left my home for a 10 day get away to Laz paz and Cabo San Lucas just to explore and relax. All went fine until my return trip home. I was driving a truck car but nothing flashy. A '94 toyota 2wd p/u with some bumps and bruises and in need of a paint job and a good washing. As I passed through San ignacio, saw a young guy in his mid 20's Kind of trying to hide behind a small tree talking on what appeared to be a walkie talkie or nextel.

I did not think nothing of this but thought his actions were strange as he tried to conceal himself from my view. about 10 miles down the road headed north, I saw a abeat old pick up truck fast coming up on me with it's head lights flashing off and on.

I slowed down and moved to the right as much as I could. (by the way, it is Saturday, we are the only two vehicles on the road and it is Approx: 10

o a.m.) the truck pulled along side and I saw that there were 3 men in the cab of the truck and 5 others in the back of it. the passenger had a large machete and was swing it out the window at me. The guy in the middle looked familar, it was the guy on the walkie talkie. he was waving a large knife at me. the guys in the back had baseball bats and pry bars.

Needless to say, I hit the gas and tried to get away. This was going to be a robbery and I was not going down without a fight. I looked in my car for something to use as a weapon but all I had was my suit case and my cooler with cokes. I took out 2 20 something oz glass bottles of coke out of the cooler and shook them up. I was a good 300 -500 feet in front of them doing approx: 85 mph. I began to launch the cokes of the drivers side window with my left hand into the air, backwards.

The first one missed but the second one was a direct hit on and through the trucks windshield. The Winshield was toast and I am guessing that this shocked and scared the people in the truck as is quickly locked em up and turned left into a ditch.

I continued down the road at about 80 mph until for 35 miles until I got to Guerro Negro Check point just south of town.

They took all of my information and sent a Highway patrolman down the road to check it out. I was contacted by the highway patrol later that night at my hotel in Guerro Negro and told that they saw the spot where the truck wound up but it was gone. There was a lot of broken glass and some blood on the ground.

The highway patrol took a detailed incident report and told me that they would check local doctor's and hospitals for injured people and local repair shops for the truck. They apologized on behalf of the People and sent me on my way. Basically , without a truck or the bad guys guys, there was nothing they could do.

As I crossed the border yesterday I was relieved that my like was not taken on the side of the road by som punks who wanted to rob a gringo.

The Mexico I used to know and love is for the most part a memory. Baja is slowly becoming as over priced and dangerous as Los Angeles, only on a smaller scale not mention the T.J. shootouts

Unless I am in a caravan, will never drive Baja again. Maybe you should not either.

fishbuck - 4-29-2008 at 12:36 PM

Sounds real enough.

sd - 4-29-2008 at 12:46 PM

It looks legit,

Very unfortunate. I have made many trips and met great people. It is too bad for the honest people of Baja that these thugs are making many tourists afraid to travel, and hurting the economy.

Hook - 4-29-2008 at 01:01 PM

Did you read this reply further down in the report of the attack?

After 20 years we just returned to Cabo, and I must say that we really didn’t feel as safe as we do in other resort areas of Mexico. Other than the newer hotels and the Mall area at the Marina not much has changed, other than an increase in poverty that attributes to robbery and crime.

We heard horror stories from some spring-breakers at our hotel. Jewelry & other vendors working with corrupt police, with the main intent of selling drugs; police not far away to witness the sale, youre arrested, you and your friends give all of your money to the (corrupt) police, or go to jail! Plain and simple... dont talk to vendors on the street, dont buy anything (drugs), and dont get overly intoxicated to get yourself arrested! Be 'smart'… be 'safe'… dont be 'stupid' & keep your eye open!

‘IF’ and when we return I don’t think we would be venturing outside the hotel!

DENNIS - 4-29-2008 at 01:11 PM

I buy it as a true story. Why not? The guy wasn't driving through Vatican City. he was traveling through the wild west where there is little to no law and order.
Attempted robbery and what else and all they got out of it was a broken windshield. They'll be back.

Cypress - 4-29-2008 at 01:23 PM

Why would anyone go to the trouble of reporting a false account? :?:

DENNIS - 4-29-2008 at 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
Why would anyone go to the trouble of reporting a false account? :?:

You mean..Here, or to the police?

jack - 4-29-2008 at 01:33 PM

In my opinion the Baja is changing way too quickly and all for the worst. I never used to give crime a second thought. Now it is an important consideration, you have to think twice about what hours of the day your going to drive, where you are going to spend the night, etc. I know there are arguments that there is as much or more crime in Canada or the USA. Overall that may be true, but it seems to me that tourists are the major target on the Baja. I am not worried in the least while traveling through Canada or the US, but lately I have been increasingly uneasy while traveling in Mexico. I'd feel a lot better if I could pack my 9mm.

Hook - 4-29-2008 at 01:34 PM

I'm not sure I'd report a REAL account to the police down there.

Hook - 4-29-2008 at 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jack
I'd feel a lot better if I could pack my 9mm.

Oh, brother, AMEN!

Smuggling one down would be very easy but I cant figure any way around the repercussions of ever having to use it.

ELINVESTIG8R - 4-29-2008 at 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Quote:

Originally posted by jack
I'd feel a lot better if I could pack my 9mm.

Oh, brother, AMEN!

Smuggling one down would be very easy but I cant figure any way around the repercussions of ever having to use it.

Just tell the police you took it from the bad guy just before you used it on him. Make sure it's not registered in your name in the USA in case the police do a USA registration check. Also, please make sure the bad guy is dead so he cannot testify against you. A dead bad guy is no big deal.
Just stick to your story when questioned. Well, that is unless the police decide to torture you by shooting Coca Cola fizz up your nose to get the truth out of you. Believe me that one works.

Disclaimer: This post is a work of fiction. Any similarity to any person living or dead is merely coincidental.

[Edited on 4-29-2008 by ELINVESTI8]

Skipjack Joe - 4-29-2008 at 01:52 PM

Very hard to believe this story.

Driving 85mph on baja's roads with one hand on the wheel and the other rummaging for coke cans. Then a direct hit on the windshield from a can of coke shatters it cutting the passengers and blood is found on the road?

I'm always the one believing people but this one seems like a tall one.

oldjack - 4-29-2008 at 01:57 PM

Maybe.... a rumor/half-truth could be started saying that in light of the continuing problems encountered by tourist... that the Department of Tourism will allow Baja visitors, with valid visas, to carry firearms... also the rumors should include a report of the tourist who, unfortunately, had to shoot a would-be robber who did not survive the criminal effort.... showing that there is a direct impact on the criminal activities and a bright future ahead...

lizard lips - 4-29-2008 at 02:15 PM

Here is my take.

I don't know the guy but I have investigated a lot of crimes and until you hear from someone who was there or from the bad guys, who still cant believe the direct hit on the wind shield, you have to go with it.

The one thing I don't understand is the blood, glass, and the "EXACT" location of where the bad guys left the road according to the police. That is the one of the things that troubles me a little!

By the way---------- Im sure the Federal de Caminos or any other police agency would not have called him at his hotel later that evening especially when he did not receive any property damage and was not injured just to tell him they saw debriS on the road....THAT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE!

[Edited on 01/10/2007 by lizard lips]

Active imagination

Lee - 4-29-2008 at 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo
This report was posted today on Trip Advisors Baja Forum. It was posted by "longhornjohn" who has been a member of that Forum for about one year and lists his location as Lompoc, CA. I don't know if it is true or not. I am posting just for informational purposes.

*******************************
I looked in my car for something to use as a weapon but all I had was my suit case and my cooler with cokes. I took out 2 20 something oz glass bottles of coke out of the cooler and shook them up. I was a good 300 -500 feet in front of them doing approx: 85 mph. I began to launch the cokes of the drivers side window with my left hand into the air, backwards.

This COULD happen but it isn't ringing true for me either. This guy is CRUIZIN' at 85 mph, fumbling in his cooler for ''Cokes'' to use as a weapon. 85 mph? Not just Coke ''cans'' but 20 oz bottles out the window at a car in back 300'-500'? He scores a direct hit with 1 of 2 bottles?

Don't think so.

Maybe the car chasing him was 50' back -- and he was doing 50 mph and had a six-pack.

Just doesn't sound right.

Anyway, this got me thinking about how to prepare for a scenario like this if it were to really happen. What's a good weapon to have on the passenger seat or close proximity?

Flare gun? (Think something to throw or fire since you're being chased.)

Hook - 4-29-2008 at 02:35 PM

When a question of believability comes up, you all have always heard me pose the question.............what would be his motive for making the story up?

Loves to write fiction on boards for jollies?
Wants to limit tourism down there?

Of all the travel sites to foist this upon, tripadvisor would be one of the last I would suspect someone doing this. Honesty is what it is all about.

I think the likelihood of it happening outweighs the motivation for fabrication.

Hey, I've driven 85 on Hwy 1 with one hand.......

vandenberg - 4-29-2008 at 02:36 PM

Time to trade my 250 for something tougher. :?:

Hook - 4-29-2008 at 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
Time to trade my 250 for something tougher. :?:

I've got an Uncle who will put you behind the wheel of a vehicle like that.............even pay you to drive it.

Natalie Ann - 4-29-2008 at 03:00 PM

I thought the only glass bottles of coca cola were the 8 oz ones, even in Mexico... though sometimes I am wrong. Does anyone remember seeing 20-something oz glass ones, the size reported thrown?

Nena

mtgoat666 - 4-29-2008 at 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Very hard to believe this story.

Driving 85mph on baja's roads with one hand on the wheel and the other rummaging for coke cans. Then a direct hit on the windshield from a can of coke shatters it cutting the passengers and blood is found on the road?

I'm always the one believing people but this one seems like a tall one.

lots of straight stretches north of san ignacio, easy to believe he was driving 85+ with one finger on wheel.

very easy to hit a car directly behind you with little effort of throwing or aiming. soft lob upward from a car moving 85 mph, and force of apparent wind will rapidly slow it down from launch velocity, and next fast car behind you will take a 60+ mph fast ball in the face.

surprised that someone would do it on 2nd try, but bet anyone could do it w/in 5 tries.

surfer jim - 4-29-2008 at 03:11 PM

300 feet or more back is a FOOTBALL field.....dont think you could see that impact in a rear view mirror while going 85 mph while trying to outrun 8 robbers.....and yea...those glass coke bottles would be hard to find also...especially in your cooler?....

bottom line....URBAN LEGEND.... :yes:

Time to call that show MYTHBUSTERS......

[Edited on 4-29-2008 by surfer jim]

DianaT - 4-29-2008 at 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Natalie Ann
I thought the only glass bottles of coca cola were the 8 oz ones, even in Mexico... though sometimes I am wrong. Does anyone remember seeing 20-something oz glass ones, the size reported thrown?

Nena

No, have not seen those.

Diver - 4-29-2008 at 03:12 PM

Not only does Judy have a point but the physics don't work out either.
He says the car was 300 - 500 feet behind.

80 mph = approx 117' in 10 seconds which I consider the maximum "hang time" you would get from tossing the bottle from a sitting position, most likely "hang time" would be less.
Therefore, the supposed bottles would have hit the ground way before the chase vehicle got to that point.

.

.

mtgoat666 - 4-29-2008 at 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Anyway, this got me thinking about how to prepare for a scenario like this if it were to really happen. What's a good weapon to have on the passenger seat or close proximity?

Flare gun? (Think something to throw or fire since you're being chased.)

Handfuls of 1-inch rocks thrown on the hwy behind you will deter any followers. Have you ever been behind a gravel truck dropping small pebbles? Ever been behind a truck dropping 1-inch rock? Those suckers bounce all crazy and hit you pretty hard.

Diver - 4-29-2008 at 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
.. bet anyone could do it w/in 5 tries.

Someone who looks a bit like a younger version of myself used to keep pennies, slugs and pebbles in the car to toss at tailgaters while driving.
It was not easy to hit a windshield.
(So I am told ! :lol:

)

.

mtgoat666 - 4-29-2008 at 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
Not only does Judy have a point but the physics don't work out either.
He says the car was 300 - 500 feet behind.

80 mph = approx 117' in 10 seconds which I consider the maximum "hang time" you would get from tossing the bottle from a sitting position, most likely "hang time" would be less.
Therefore, the supposed bottles would have hit the ground way before the chase vehicle got to that point.
.

maybe in his fear he did not have time to go back and get detailed measurements to appease arm chair monday morning quarterbacks.

ELINVESTIG8R - 4-29-2008 at 03:18 PM

:lol:

Hook - 4-29-2008 at 03:20 PM

I still have a 1 liter coca-cola glass bottle I "retrieved" from an overturned coke truck in a wash just north of GN. This was in the mid 90s.

Are there Coke distribudores just like beer distribudores? They might still have them.

[Edited on 4-29-2008 by Hook]

Barry A. - 4-29-2008 at 03:23 PM

----got hit by a one inch rock last summer that fell off (?) a truck---------in a mini-second a $270 windshield was kaput----totally wiped out, but the rock did not quite penetrate------if it had my wife would have been toast------as it was she had small cuts all over her face from the flying glass.

Barry

tripledigitken - 4-29-2008 at 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo
They took all of my information and sent a Highway patrolman down the road to check it out. I was contacted by the highway patrol later that night at my hotel in Guerro Negro and told that they saw the spot where the truck wound up but it was gone. There was a lot of broken glass and some blood on the ground.

This is the part that I can't believe. That probably wouldn't even happen in the US, let alone Baja.

Ken

backninedan - 4-29-2008 at 03:46 PM

Coca Colas history of bottles does not include a modern 20 ounce glass bottle. That, along with the miracle hundred yard toss makes the whole story sound bogus to me.

DENNIS - 4-29-2008 at 03:46 PM

It's a thankless task to bring a credible report to this forum. At first, it will be understood and believed.
Next, it will be questioned in a wondering sort of way.
Then it will be blasted as bullcrap. "Are you sure your shoes were tied?"
What nonsense.

ELINVESTIG8R - 4-29-2008 at 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
It's a thankless task to bring a credible report to this forum. At first, it will be understood and believed.
Next, it will be questioned in a wondering sort of way.
Then it will be blasted as bullcrap. "Are you sure your shoes were tied?"
What nonsense.

So True... :lol:

surfer jim - 4-29-2008 at 03:58 PM

Lets see...10 am attack...he would get to G.N. about noon and then stop for the night after this happens.... at NOON?....kind of early to stop for the night .....

and this "old beat up pick-up truck" coming up fast....he sure can see a lot in that mirror again.....most of those trucks do about 30-40 mph...especially with 8 guys in it....

why did he shake up the coke bottles before throwing them?....guess he also wanted to spray them with coke to really make them stop coming...

Time to go see a JACKIE CHAN movie now......

roundtuit - 4-29-2008 at 03:59 PM

Bad guy in San Ignacio on radio. Military check point 5 miles north let pickup with 3 in front and 5 in back with knives and machetes go through. San Ignacio to State Line 91 miles minus 10 out of San Ignacio where attack supposibly took place What happened for the next 46 miles. *
(" I continued down the road at about 80 mph until for 35 miles until I got to Guerro Negro Check point just south of town." ) Thought G N check point was north of State Line
Milage and speed doesn't comput. Going north tomorrow need coke!!! :?:

lizard lips - 4-29-2008 at 04:05 PM

With all of this great information next time I have a problem with a murder investigation I will post it here and have all of you help. Your GREAT INVESTIGATORS!

Lee - 4-29-2008 at 04:12 PM

Quote:

I'm even suspending disbelief here, Dennis. The story might be true -- and it's possible that the writer embellished some of the facts -- in the heat of the chase.

As written, it's just not credible. AND as I was reading it, I was asking myself: what's wrong with this story? Like someone else asked, why did the driver take the time to write that he ''shook'' a 20 oz bottle of Coke before lobbing it?

Something's not right. I'm planning to have a sack of small cobble on the passenger seat to throw out the window. That's credible.

oxxo - 4-29-2008 at 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
I'm planning to have a sack of small cobble on the passenger seat to throw out the window.

I posted the topic with a question mark, because some details did not ring true in my opinion.

But Lee, your suggestion of a small bag of cobble just might work! I'm going to give that strategy some serious thought.

The Sculpin - 4-29-2008 at 04:30 PM

Place 1/2 pound of size 16 tacks in a large balloon, and fill remainder with San Juanico moondust. Through 3 or 4 of those babies out the window at 70mph and it's akin to a squid with teeth!!

I agree...something doesn't sit right with this story, but I had fun reading it!

gibson - 4-29-2008 at 04:56 PM

:lol:

Gnukid's got NOTHING on this guy!! hilaaarious

Wingnut - 4-29-2008 at 04:59 PM

I love "true" adventure stories, it sounds just like the junk in dime novels of the last century. Let's see, he's traveling at 50 to 60 miles an hour (or maybe less) and sees a guy trying to hide talking on a cell phone or 2 way radio as he goes past. Then recognizes same guy in pickup waving a knife! Some kind of observant. Never knew anyone that good unless it was a cop on the job. Most people don't notice people when driving by. Yeah nothing adds up in this story and someone is just trying to add to the general confusion with this one. Yuck! He should have improved the story a little, like where was the damsel in distress he rescued from the guy with the phone? That might get a chase started? Yeah and the Guerro Negro police let him go after he admits throwing stuff at traffic! Wonderful, I think he must be trying to run a "windy" on the board.

Skipjack Joe - 4-29-2008 at 05:03 PM

Quote:

Right you are, Dennis. Always give a victim the benefit of the doubt. Story sounds incredible, but not impossible. Better to be duped than to be callous.

bajagrouper - 4-29-2008 at 05:32 PM

First he says he is driving " A '94 toyota 2wd p/u with some bumps and bruises and in need of a paint job and a good washing.

Then a couple of paragraphs down he states:""I looked in my car for something to use as a weapon "

I never met a guy that refers to his truck as a car...

Roberto - 4-29-2008 at 06:10 PM

I agree with Dennis. Besides, why is it necessary to go into this level of analysis. These are the areas where I believe this board to be worse than worthless. It actually feeds the worst in us.

The story is there. Choose to believe it or not. In either case, you will NEVER know 100% if it's true or not, and at the end of the day it is YOUR personal judgment that you will have to rely on to make decisions and get yourself into/out of trouble.

DENNIS - 4-29-2008 at 06:44 PM

Thanks Igor and Roberto........
It hurts me to think that the victim could see the revulsion to his claim displayed here on a forum which staunchly rejects violence on the Baja roads. It seems here, with time, nobody has credibility. This victim, assuming he is, must feel abandoned by the people who, above all, should be his supporters. That, for me, would feel worse than the assault.
You CSI folks should take a break and tend to your heart and soul.

Paulina - 4-29-2008 at 07:08 PM

I'm with Roberto and Dennis on this one. It's sad that this board chews this stuff up and spits it out.

Yes, they still sell Coke in glass bottles. I just bought a case of glass bottled Cokes in Bahia for my son, his souvenir, at his request. 355ml. bottles equals 12 oz.

So what if the guy got his math wrong. I had to Google it myself.

Do I believe the story? Yep.

Did the author take liberty with his story telling? Probably, who doesn't?

Did I learn something from his story? Yes.

Was it worth posting? Yes.

Was it worth tearing apart Nomad style? No, it embarrases me.

Sculpin, your solution to the problem would really pizz me off, specially as I'm changing all of my tires and finding out that I don't carry enough spares. I'm sure you were just kidding, right?

I take most reports/posts with a grain of sal on this board. You have to. Attacking a report CSI style is not becoming to the Baja Nomad lifestyle, if you ask me. But then again, no one asked.

P<*)))><

DENNIS - 4-29-2008 at 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina
But then again, no one asked.

P<*)))><

I did...In a quiet way. Thanks.

Lee - 4-29-2008 at 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by grover
We were all laughing so hard as he related that he didn't even think about it; it was just automatic. I said "Whoa; superior LAPD training!" :lol:

The guy was LAPD?

Say what you want, and I'm trying hard to believe -- just tell me: what was the logic in shaking a coke bottle? To create spray? Bogus. Believe what you want. The guy is a making up a story to get attention.

LancairDriver - 4-29-2008 at 08:41 PM

We need to contact the producers of "Cold Case Files". No need to present a lot of facts, they could have any case solved for them on this forum with only the most schetchy details.

fulano - 4-29-2008 at 10:57 PM

Quote:

You have an error in your calculation. 80MPH is 117 feet per second. So if you release a bottle at 80MPH, a car following you by 300 feet would reach your release point in 2-1/2 seconds. That does not require very much hang time. You'd have to make some assumptions about how fast the 20 oz. coke bottle would decelerate from 80MPH when it hit the windshield, but even a conservative figure would give the impact the equivalent of being hit with a 50 pound rock.

bajalera - 4-30-2008 at 08:08 AM

What struck me as a bit strange was "passing through San Ignacio" and hiding behind a tree. The highway doesn't go through San Ig in the first place, and in the second, where would those trees be located?

vandenberg - 4-30-2008 at 08:15 AM

And the plot thickens.......

David K - 4-30-2008 at 08:16 AM

>>> "I continued down the road at about 80 mph until for 35 miles until I got to Guerro Negro Check point just south of town. " <<<

Isn't it just NORTH of town (Guerrero Negro)? Or is this some new checkpoint since last year? Why turn around and go into GN from the checkpoint with such a high chance he will get arrested for litering or bombing the other car with coke bottles? It was sometime after 10 am, why not head for El Rosario or beyond??

jodiego - 4-30-2008 at 09:41 AM

The analysis of this story makes me realize why some of you have soooo many posts on this forum. My sense is there was a second spotter on the grassy knoll just before San Ignacio or just after San Ignacio that warned the bandido's about the coke bottle, no matter how many ounces it was. They chose to ignore the warning, got to the Guerrero Negro police before our friend Oxxo did, told the police what happened and were immediately shot to death. When Oxxo arrived the police followed procedure so as not to cast suspicion upon themselves for their crime, sending Oxxo on his merry way, thus adding another crime to the baja blotter, and sending several hundred more expatriots back to the safety of the good ole USA. :lol:

[Edited on 4-30-2008 by jodiego]

DanO - 4-30-2008 at 10:06 AM

Brilliant. Anyone for a game of Clue?

DianaT - 4-30-2008 at 10:56 AM

While I agree that sometimes the incidents reported here are picked apart and disected too much. I think we all would prefer that crime down here did not happen. But it does, and it also happens everywhere.

Yes, in telling a story someone might not remember or change a few details, but there is one major item that stands out that I think is rather important.

35 miles to the state border? What about Vizcaino? Just cannot imagine speeding through Vizcaino on a Sat. at that time. There is always quite a bit of traffic and why did he not stop there for help?

Also, it seems to me that the criminals would not be waving their weapons until after they got him to stop because who is going to stop seeing those weapons? Then again, criminals are not always noted for their intelligence. :lol:

´
Really would like to hear more about the incident.

Diane

oxxo - 4-30-2008 at 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jodiego
They chose to ignore the warning, got to the Guerrero Negro police before our friend Oxxo did, told the police what happened and were immediately shot to death. When Oxxo arrived the police followed procedure so as not to cast suspicion upon themselves for their crime, sending Oxxo on his merry way, thus adding another crime to the baja blotter,

Hey, don't blame me. It didn't happen to me, it happened to somebody using the name, Longhornjohn. I only picked it up off the Trip Advisor Forum. Go back and read the first post - carefully.

I drive this very stretch of road about 8 times a year. I have NEVER had any problems. Yes, the military check point is NORTH of Guererro Negro.

Longhornjohn says the military at the checkpoint called the federales. That would be a first! I reported an overturned semi in the middle of the road at this very checkpoint about a year ago. They just shrugged their shoulders and said it had nothing to do with the military. Que sera.

[Edited on 4-30-2008 by oxxo]

mtgoat666 - 4-30-2008 at 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter
While I agree that sometimes the incidents reported here are picked apart and disected too much. I think we all would prefer that crime down here did not happen. But it does, and it also happens everywhere.

Yes, in telling a story someone might not remember or change a few details, but there is one major item that stands out that I think is rather important.

35 miles to the state border? What about Vizcaino? Just cannot imagine speeding through Vizcaino on a Sat. at that time. There is always quite a bit of traffic and why did he not stop there for help?

Also, it seems to me that the criminals would not be waving their weapons until after they got him to stop because who is going to stop seeing those weapons? Then again, criminals are not always noted for their intelligence. :lol:

´
Really would like to hear more about the incident.

Diane

If this happened to me, I would not trust anyone in Vizcaino, as I don't know anyone there. I don't trust local cops, I trust only local people I know. As far as trusting guys with uniforms guns, I would trust the feds/army, but not any local with a badge and pistola. Even then, I wouldn't be totally trusting of a fed/army in uniform

Hook - 4-30-2008 at 12:22 PM

Ultimately, what I will take from all this (since it is unlikely to be proven true or false) is what Lee stated; what would YOU do if being dogged by another vehicle like this? We know this type of attempt at stopping vehicles IS occurring.

Coke bottles is probably not practical. Ballenas and caguamas? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!

Hmmmmm.............................

Roberto - 4-30-2008 at 02:02 PM

I would ram them and drive them off the road. But then, I drive an 8,500 lb vehicle with enough torque to do just that.

Wingnut - 4-30-2008 at 02:56 PM

HMMMM....Let's see, my guess is Miss Scarlet, in the ballroom with the lead pipe. No, no wait, maybe it was Col. Mustard in the conservatory with the rope....no, no....what the heck, his tale has so many holes in it I can't decide what "clues" are real. But it does make good reading and certainly started some conversations. Maybe that was his intent?

805gregg - 4-30-2008 at 02:57 PM

It would be funny to drive by the scene of the attempt and see a roadside shrine in the shape of a coke bottle.

rob - 4-30-2008 at 03:35 PM

Yesterday afternoon, having nothing better to do, I attempted to break the windshield of an abandoned truck. I used a rock weighing (according to my fish scales) 1.9Kg.

Standing 10 feet in front of said truck, and throwing with my left arm (overhead, in an arc sideways etc), I was unable to put even a chip into the windshield.

Others have pointed out that this story all happened at 85mph (the driver of the old beat-up pickup must have been quite a chofer!) - but surely if both vehicles were travelling at that speed, it would cancel out? Or would the bottle pick up extra speed due to wind force?

I was always useless at physics . . . . anyway, while this does not bust the myth, I am still having trouble with the story. Do three guys hanging out a truck window waving machetes incline you to speed up or stop to find out what their problem is?

Hmmm..

shari - 4-30-2008 at 03:50 PM

Gee Rob...sounds like you need a hobby...not enough to do? The thing that sucks about this probable fabrication is that someone will believe it and think that quiet San Ignacio is like TJ. We have discussed emergency plans in the event of a road robbery attempt and DO have some ideas....it nearly happened to us one late one dark night on the road from Vizcaino...3 guys in a pick up were stopped and waved us to stop and help...supposedly they had a tire problem and they asked for a screwdriver ...both Juan & I sensed danger and said we had no tools and took off...they did a U turn and took off after us..boy was I scared...we drove as fast as possible and turned off onto the dirt road to Asuncion where the bad guys gave up the chase...whew..guess they didn't like washboard! It was a wake up call though...we only travel at night if absolutely necessary and Juan wont let me drive at all alone anymore. I still get nervous on the solitary parts of the road. But I highly doubt that someone wanting to do you harm would wave machetes around to get you to stop! NOT!

ELINVESTIG8R - 4-30-2008 at 04:11 PM

I believe it.

shari - 4-30-2008 at 04:22 PM

thanks so much for the best belly laugh of the week Elvin...feels soooo good.

ELINVESTIG8R - 4-30-2008 at 04:44 PM

Your Welcome :lol:

mulegemichael - 4-30-2008 at 05:42 PM

It's wonderful how folks can take this obviously "bs" story and work the daylights out of it....I think it has been dissected enough now that we can let it lie...another thought?

Hook - 4-30-2008 at 05:45 PM

Well, if it was that "obvious" to all of us, then it would have died after three replys.

But thanks for taking on the role of arbitor on when we can stop talking about a subject on the boards. :rolleyes:

Here's a thought..................decide which posts you dont want to READ and let the rest of us make our own decisions.

[Edited on 5-1-2008 by Hook]

[Edited on 5-1-2008 by Hook]

Sharksbaja - 4-30-2008 at 05:55 PM

Quote:

let it lie

Clever, very clever! :lol:

bajamigo - 4-30-2008 at 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rob

Others have pointed out that this story all happened at 85mph (the driver of the old beat-up pickup must have been quite a chofer!) - but surely if both vehicles were travelling at that speed, it would cancel out? Or would the bottle pick up extra speed due to wind force?

Your thought process is analogous to the falling elevator theory, i.e., if you're in an elevator that is freefalling because the cable broke, you'll be OK if you leap up just before it hits rock bottom. The elevator will come to a crashing halt, but you will feel only the effects of a short leap.

I'm no Einstein, but it seems to me that the Coke bottle won't be travelling at a speed where the pickup catches up to it gradually, because it's not flying in the same geometric plane. In other words, there will be a massive collision.

I will now surrender my keyboard.

pacificobob - 4-30-2008 at 07:02 PM

20 OZ glass coke bottles...........i dont think the tiendas in this area have those.....mostly plastic eh?

bajagrouper - 4-30-2008 at 07:11 PM

I looked at his original post on the trip advisor forum to see what was reaction by its board members. There were 24 comments and not one questioned the story, some even said that they will never drive Baja again, I guess that leaves more room for us...paz

Sharksbaja - 4-30-2008 at 07:19 PM

Now that's exactly why we are here. To add the other element(s) to someones tale. Afterall, we're all ******* geniuses, right?

Did I spell ******* right? :biggrin:

[Edited on 5-1-2008 by Hose A]

Sharksbaja - 4-30-2008 at 07:24 PM

In fact that's the main reason I'm here. Too bee amongsts other geniusus. :yes:

Worst case Gringo Nightmare

Lee - 4-30-2008 at 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajagrouper
I looked at his original post on the trip advisor forum to see what was reaction by its board members. There were 24 comments and not one questioned the story, some even said that they will never drive Baja again, I guess that leaves more room for us...paz

AND my reaction to a Nomad posting a story like this would be different -- I probably wouldn't respond to the post and would BELIEVE the story. It wouldn't change my travel plans except to make me more ''cautious'' or ''paranoid'' about suspicious looking vehicles behind me.

Here's my final answer and theory: Longjohn sez: ''I saw that there were 3 men in the cab of the truck and 5 others in the back of it. the passenger had a large machete and was swing it out the window at me. The guy in the middle looked familar, it was the guy on the walkie talkie. he was waving a large knife at me.''

Doesn't this sound like the Ultimate Gringo Nightmare? A truck load of Mexicans waving knifes and machetes trying to rob and kill you? And the story might have succeeded in detouring those on the ''other'' forum from venturing South.

Still, I'm planning on maybe a flare gun in my passenger seat (it would trump machetes and knifes) and some golf ball size cobble.

bajaguy - 4-30-2008 at 08:11 PM

don't forget marbles and 1 1/2" roofing nails.........

Von - 4-30-2008 at 08:31 PM

oops...

[Edited on 5-1-2008 by Von]

Capt. George - 5-1-2008 at 04:39 AM

I ran into a similar situation, that i handled in my own special way. I had my partner steer while I proceeded with this fail proof method:

I hung my ass out the window and chit all over the highway (not a problem with such great fear involved). Their Lincoln Stretch Limo slipped in the doo-doo and they drove into a gulley. Keep lots of Ex-Lax on hand for your next trip down Baja and you will be perfectly safe.

I reported all to the police, but they said, ca-ca de vaca and sent us on our way.

Mee theeenks bot tales are full of doo-doo

pargo - 5-1-2008 at 12:49 PM

A long time ago my Mom and Dad and went through San Ignacio and were followed by suspicious looking men who, after staring at them hard from the side of the road, suddenly appeared behind them for miles. They backed off finally when my dad pulled off somewhere safe. I was a kid when they told me this. Years later after i got the Baja bug we were going through San Ignacio when the same thing happened to us. Something is up in San Ignacio as is the case elsewhere i'm sure. So even though this original post sounds a bit embellished, there's still some truth there. IMHO

oxxo - 5-1-2008 at 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pargo
followed by suspicious looking men who, after staring at them hard from the side of the road, suddenly appeared behind them for miles.

Seriously, what do suspicious looking men look like?

How do you know it was the same men following them? It is hard to see into a car that is following you.

pargo - 5-1-2008 at 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo

Quote:

Originally posted by pargo
followed by suspicious looking men who, after staring at them hard from the side of the road, suddenly appeared behind them for miles.

Seriously, what do suspicious looking men look like?

How do you know it was the same men following them? It is hard to see into a car that is following you.

oxxo, I can go back and ask my Mom for you if you like. My Dad unfortunately is no longer with us. But they were the same men on the side of the road as the ones following them.. that much is true. Were they the same scum following me 30 yrs later? highly unlikely. I know suspicious when i see it and i'm sure you do to. Just sharing two pennies with you guys is all :?:

oxxo - 5-1-2008 at 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pargoI know suspicious when i see it and i'm sure you do to.

You are right! I know suspicious when I see it. I'm looking out my window right now at Jose my gardener for 8 years. He has that "shifty eyed" look, dark skin, 50 something, black mustache, baseball cap worn backwards, beer belly. I've seen his type down here before. I bet he is casing my joint right now, figuring out how he can break in. Anyway, I pay him $15 for 2 hours work and bet that is DOUBLE what he is charging his Mexican firends....wait his Mexican friends can't afford gardeners.
:light:

I think I'll grab a coke, shake it, and spray it at him. That'll scare him off. He'll know I mean business!

[Edited on 5-1-2008 by oxxo]

DENNIS - 5-1-2008 at 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo
Seriously, what do suspicious looking men look like?

No good. This isn't a court of law. This is life led by intuition.
You people insist on hard evidence but, you wouldn't accept even that. You are so against a negative report of things "Baja" and I don't get it because most of you are nothing less than tourists here anyway. I don't think it has anything to do with Baja. What it is, in my opinion, is your faceless opportunity to be assertive when you wouldn't while in the face of the man you question.
You ******** here who convict a man without his ability to respond are sad. You have no ground for the fight.
I'm ashamed of you here who call yourselves Nomads while you attack the honesty of a man without looking into the truth of his statements. All you wanted to do is look for the lie and when it was over, the lie wasn't there. Your reasoning was but, the lie wasn't.
You should be ashamed of yourselves for not supporting your own without real reason.
We Americans are a sorry lot if we can't give each other the benefit of the doubt.
Shame on all of us.

[Edited on 5-1-2008 by Hose A]

vandenberg - 5-1-2008 at 04:04 PM

Dennis,

We need to get you a pulpit. :biggrin:

DENNIS - 5-1-2008 at 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg

We need to get you a pulpit. :biggrin:

Thanks Ed....I'm glad everybody takes me so seriously here.

Roberto - 5-1-2008 at 04:13 PM

When I see threads like this one, with so many views and responses to what is a very simple question or post, I sometimes wonder WHY????

Then I remind myself that people feel a need to slow down to look at accidents on the freeway too. Nothing like watching a crash in progress. :lol:

DENNIS - 5-1-2008 at 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto

Then I remind myself that people feel a need to slow down to look at accidents on the freeway too. Nothing like watching a crash in progress. :lol:

I think you're right. Most people wonder about tragedy in their neighborhood that doesn't include them. Murders, rapes, home invasions, robberys but, the neighbors don't stand around the crime scene pointing to bits and pieces as though they are the Rosseta Stone to solving the crime or, absent the Stone, saying it didn't happen.
Compassion wouldn't hurt in these circumstances.

bajalera - 5-1-2008 at 04:58 PM

Well I support my fellow Americans.

In fact, what I'm suspicious of in Mexico are people who don't look like Americans. There's so many of them that a vast conspiracy seems to be going on or something..

DENNIS - 5-1-2008 at 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalera
In fact, what I'm suspicious of in Mexico are people who don't look like Americans. There's so many of them that a vast conspiracy seems to be going on or something..

What color are they? I can look in my field manual and give you the threat level.

surfer jim - 5-1-2008 at 07:57 PM

I have read a lot of reasons why it didn't happen...how about some of the belivers telling why it did happen as described......

oh wait....maybe ..."because I read it on the internet".....makes it true.... :spingrin:

DENNIS - 5-1-2008 at 08:20 PM

You missed one of the points, Jim. You can choose to believe it or you can choose to not believe it or you can choose to say, "I don't know."
The latter is my choice which leaves me in a position to support the victim and his claims. It doesn't really matter to me if it's true. What matters to me is that I care and I don't feel justified in calling BS without knowing for a fact that it is. It didn't cost me anything to believe the man and his claims. It would have cost me a lot if I had dismissed him without reason. It's the American way. Remember?

roundtuit - 5-1-2008 at 08:32 PM

Left Mulege Wed, now near Sacremento. All ck points fast and curtious.
State Line on Wed no one there. Cost 2 bottles of cold water. Still have 6 pk of coke, guess will save till this fall for return trip. Hope they will fezze up :yes:

Roundtuit

The Gull - 5-2-2008 at 06:34 AM

Save the Coke for the alien space vehicle landing in your backyard with a Chubracabra at the helm.

Coke will loosen the bolts on the craft rendering it destroyed.

pappy - 5-3-2008 at 07:58 PM

true or not-or somewhere in between- it's getting bad. after 40 yearsof baja travel-and loving it- i'm not too sure i'm willing to lose my vehicle and all that's in it to some crazed ********. i've had friends shot at and ripped off of everything down there. it is a major concern in my book...

[Edited on 5-4-2008 by Hose A]

DENNIS - 5-3-2008 at 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pappy
true or not-or somewhere in between- it's getting bad. after 40 yearsof baja travel-and loving it- i'm not too sure i'm willing to lose my vehicle and all that's in it to some ****** ********. i've had friends shot at and ripped off of everything down there. it is a major concern in my book...

[Edited by Hose B ]

Sorry, Pappy...You can't say "crazed" here.

[Edited on 5-4-2008 by Hose A]

Sharksbaja - 5-3-2008 at 10:18 PM

:lol:

Good job!!

The Gull - 5-4-2008 at 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pappy
it is a major concern in my book

Where is a copy of your book available? I would like to read about the various incidents.

woody with a view - 5-4-2008 at 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull

Quote:

Originally posted by pappy
it is a major concern in my book

Where is a copy of your book available? I would like to read about the various incidents.

bajabound2005 - 5-4-2008 at 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull

Quote:

Originally posted by pappy
it is a major concern in my book

Where is a copy of your book available? I would like to read about the various incidents.

Hey! Maybe pappy will be at next year's book signing and we can all get a copy of his book!

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