BajaNomad - American Baja 1000 racer shot near Ensenada

American Baja 1000 racer shot near Ensenada

geobas - 11-3-2008 at 12:03 AM

http://www.sintesistv.info/content/view/13072/76/

Quote:

Stevens Marc, un corredor norteamericano de automóviles off road competidor de la competencia Baja 1000, fue herido en Ensenada, en la zona de Valle de la Trinidad al sur del municipio.

Los paramédicos lo estabilizaron a las 2 de la tarde ya que al parecer tiene una herida por impacto de bala, pero fue trasladado a un hospital de Tijuana a las 4 de la tarde, por lo que el corredor se encuentra estable y las autoridades en busca de los agresores

It says:

Marc Stevens, an American off-road car competitor of the Baja 1000 race, was wounded in Ensenada, in the Valle de la Trinidad, south of the city.

The paramedics stabilized his condition at 2PM this afternoon, it appearing that he had a bullet wound, and he was transferred to a hospital in Tijuana at 4PM this afternnoon. He is currently in stable condition and the authorities are looking for the assailants.

TMW - 11-3-2008 at 08:20 AM

This type of stuff is not new to that area. Over the years race pre-runners have been shot at and robbed on the race course up to and from Mike's Sky Rancho.

Paulina - 11-3-2008 at 08:24 AM

http://www.dirtnewz.com/dr-pressreleases/2008/11-2008/score-...

thebajarunner - 11-3-2008 at 09:41 AM

Well, it used to be fun.

Guess all good things come to an end,
this sort of stuff will kill off the events.

and we will all remember what a great experience we had.....

just hope the guy is o.k. and that the shooter is located and properly disposed of...

Woooosh - 11-3-2008 at 09:44 AM

Not too safe for PeMex gaspump jockeys either. One female jockey shot to death in TJ after pumping gas for a narco...

"Yesterday, the state agency identified one of them as Griselda Machado Cervantes, a 39year-old gas station attendant in Villa del Prado, also on the east side of the city. After she had pumped gasoline for a black sedan, one of its passengers shot her to death, the Attorney General's Office said."

With all the animosity

Bajajack - 11-3-2008 at 09:45 AM

towards Americans in mexico these days he should consider himself lucky to get shot with a .22 instead of an AK.

Woooosh - 11-3-2008 at 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajajack
towards Americans in mexico these days he should consider himself lucky to get shot with a .22 instead of an AK.

Animosity? I don't see or feel it.

Mexicans know they allowed corruption to foster for decades and, now that it is knocking on their own front doors and their childrens schools, they only blame themselves imho.

What do they have to blame the USA and Americans for? The weaked peso? The price of gas? The corrupt police forces that can never be cleaned? The rumor mills destroying the peace of Rosarito Beach? They made this mess by allowing it to happen little by little- and they know it.

Of course there is no shame in Mexico so self reflection doesn't solve anything nor does it lead to critical thinking and problem solving on their part.

shari - 11-3-2008 at 11:48 AM

I think you are wrong about the shame....I hear the shame and embarassment on a daily basis about the mess things are in here. People are fed up but dont seem to know where or how to begin to change things.

DianaT - 11-3-2008 at 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Of course there is no shame in Mexico so self reflection doesn't solve anything nor does it lead to critical thinking and problem solving on their part.

We sure hear something very different from our Mexican friends here and from the ones we know who live in who live in the biger cities up north. They are the ones who are hurt the most by the problems.

No shame or self-reflection??? We sure see a different picture.

I am really very sorry about the man shot and hope he recovers fully and quickly.

Diane

barneyb - 11-3-2008 at 01:48 PM

Apparently this shooting was a hunting accident. At least that is what is being reported by the SD Union Tribune.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20081103-1...

Got anymore conclusions to jump to?

bajabound2005 - 11-3-2008 at 01:56 PM

US motorcycle racer shot in Mexico

The Associated Press
Monday, November 3, 2008
TIJUANA, Mexico: A California motorcycle racer has been shot in northern Mexico and is recovering at a hospital in this border city, a lawyer helping the family said Monday.

Steve Martz was shot in the abdomen Sunday morning while riding with friends outside the town of Valle de Trinidad in Baja California. He was in stable condition at a Tijuana hospital on Monday.

Oscar Ramos, a lawyer helping Martz, said the San Diego-area man was probably shot mistakenly by a hunter.

"He believes this was a completely unfortunate accident," Ramos said.

Ramos represents SCORE International, an off-road racing organization that will hold its annual Baja 1,000 race Nov. 19-23.

Martz was part of a team that finished fifth in last year's race in Class 22 of the open pro motorcycles event. But he was not registered to race this year and was simply riding with friends Sunday, about 16 miles from the race's official course, Ramos said.

Organizers say 355 racers on motorcycles, ATVs, cars and trucks are registered for this year's Baja 1,000 on a 630-mile course through the desert. The race starts and ends in the Pacific port of Ensenada.

Participants started doing practice runs on the course over the weekend.

David K - 11-3-2008 at 10:11 PM

Confirmed what I heard tonight from Josh (Baja Angel's son who works on off road race vehicles) who knows people involved... the victim was NOT pre-running or even on the race course.

TMW - 11-4-2008 at 07:12 AM

It makes me feel better to think it was an accident instead of an attemped robbery. A 22 bullet carries a very long way so I could see something like this happening. I also hope the MC rider is doing much better.

dtbushpilot - 11-4-2008 at 08:55 AM

It seems as though there is a great deal of emphasis put on the fact that he isn't participating in the race and was not on the course but nothing about his condition or if there is anything we can do to help.....or is it just me?.....dt

lizard lips - 11-4-2008 at 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
It makes me feel better to think it was an accident instead of an attemped robbery. A 22 bullet carries a very long way so I could see something like this happening. I also hope the MC rider is doing much better.

Accident? Right! They are trying to minimize the shooting as an accident as to get the fans down here for the 1000. If it was an "accident" where is the guy who shot him. I suppose some reporter found the shooter and got the "real" story.......

Point taken

Dave - 11-4-2008 at 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by barneyb
Apparently this shooting was a hunting accident.

Got anymore conclusions to jump to?

I can see where a man riding on a motorcycle could be confused with a deer...

riding on a motorcycle. :rolleyes:

Caca pasa.

CG - 11-4-2008 at 09:22 AM

Hunting accident :lol:

Shame on SCORE for putting their scumbag lawyer out there to spin the BS and CYA

If you know the area, you know its full of pot farms and company isn't wanted. The second rider saw the gunman aiming at the rider...WTF was he hunting?

[Edited on 11-4-2008 by CG]

[Edited on 11-4-2008 by CG]

[Edited on 11-4-2008 by CG]

Woooosh - 11-4-2008 at 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Of course there is no shame in Mexico so self reflection doesn't solve anything nor does it lead to critical thinking and problem solving on their part.

I live at ground zero with narco murders happening less than a mile from our house and the whole family that runs the local feed store we frequent was wiped out last week- along with a 15 year old boy walking by with his school uniform in hand. I think I understrand what people (me neighbors) are feeling thank you.

Did I miss the anti-violence protest parade or the anti-narco border shutdowns? Nope. There weren't any. Mexicans will protest all day and close the border to promote the corrupt teachers union and cronyism- but when it comes to standing up for themsleves and their children- nada.

These cowards deserve their current situation. They had decades to nip it in the bud- but instead embraced the corrupt institutions and systems.

It didn't do the Jews of Germany any good to hide indoors and hope for better days ahead either.

[Edited on 11-4-2008 by Woooosh]

ELINVESTIG8R - 11-4-2008 at 10:08 AM

Hunting Accident! Is that the code word for Attempted Murder. He either got to close to a Narco Garden or those Ejido owners are getting peeed their land is being used without compensation. Then again it just may have been a plain ole hunting accident.

gnukid - 11-4-2008 at 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Of course there is no shame in Mexico so self reflection doesn't solve anything nor does it lead to critical thinking and problem solving on their part.

I am saddened by the continuing and increasing violence toward innocents. I understand that it must be very hard to continue, to persist and to hope for better. I really hope for an improvement for you and everyone there. I support you with my heart and stand by any and all of your actions to increase your security and protect yourself from harm.

In light of your thoughts it seems that you may be right, few people will stand up en masse to end the violence, while it can't be so difficult to end the violence there. I consider the geography, the roads in and out, it can not be difficult to control all movements in the region and to identify and capture the criminals.

I support any actions to defend yourselves and action to work together to rally the community against the violence with increased vigilance.

lizard lips - 11-4-2008 at 10:20 AM

Quote:

You got it right Woooosh! Thank you!

About the only game

Bajajack - 11-4-2008 at 10:53 AM

in that area is a few scraggly rabbits and from the story told that he was shot from 75 Ft away makes one wonder how it could have possibly been an accident. :rolleyes:

lizard lips - 11-4-2008 at 11:26 AM

Didn't Oswald say he was hunting when Kennedy got shot?

bajabound2005 - 11-4-2008 at 01:43 PM

well, they didn't what he was hunting...

motoged - 11-4-2008 at 01:45 PM

Hang on to your sombreros, amigos....it ain't over yet.

The Baja 1000 doesn't start for about 3 weeks...we haven't heard about the booby traps, vehicle thefts, helicopter crashes, hijackings, and bad beans yet

I will be riding bike throughout the peninsula over a period of 4 weeks starting Dec 10th....and it reminds me of the risks.

I don't pack a glock, don't get crazy drunk, and don't camp on remote beaches (yeah, some might say I am NO FUN

), and I try to minimize risks that I can anticipate....

...but getting bushwhacked is another story.

Sal Fish apparently has indicated that if there are more serious crimes against race folks, etc, he will no longer be involved in organizing Baja racing....

Any good fish tacos near Barstow?

David K - 11-4-2008 at 02:03 PM

I read Andy McMillin, (who won the Baja 1000 co-driving with Robby Gordon and featured in 'Dust to Glory' racing when he was just 16), said the McMillins have no plans to race in Baja... (ever since friends were kidnapped and robbed while helping return a McMillin trailer back north after the start of the '07 Baja 1000).

[Edited on 11-4-2008 by David K]

Cypress - 11-4-2008 at 02:22 PM

Most 16 year olds don't have the resources etc. to do much of anything unless their parents are footing the bill.

David K - 11-4-2008 at 02:50 PM

Here in San Diego County, there is no mystery as to the Corky McMillin real estate development success... Corky was Andy's grandfather who passed away just a couple years ago... Briefly, there were three generations of racing McMillins in the same race! McMillin signs are everywhere... Racing in Baja was a way of life for them... That they are not racing there anymore is quite a big deal!

Bruce R Leech - 11-4-2008 at 03:39 PM

on a radio interview withe the driver of the motorcycle that was shot. he said that as he rode down the rode a guard from the ranch that was just ahead shot him. police came to the seen but would not do anything.

David K - 11-4-2008 at 03:42 PM

Why does a 'ranch' need a GUARD???

Perhaps it was a 'cilantro' farm, afterall!! :rolleyes:

Bruce R Leech - 11-4-2008 at 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Why does a 'ranch' need a GUARD???

Perhaps it was a 'cilantro' farm, afterall!! :rolleyes:

David use your imagination :light:

fishbuck - 11-4-2008 at 04:40 PM

I love dirtbike riding as much as I love flying and fishing. I asked about riding in the hills behind San Quintin and was advised not to.
Apparently it's not safe to go above the farm fields because of the pot farms in the hills.
Fortunately there is a nice motocross track in San Quintin on a private ranch. I stopped by and chatted with the rancher and he only changes $2 to ride there.
Seems lead free there.

Woooosh - 11-4-2008 at 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
I love dirtbike riding as much as I love flying and fishing. I asked about riding in the hills behind San Quintin and was advised not to.
Apparently it's not safe to go above the farm fields because of the pot farms in the hills.
Fortunately there is a nice motocross track in San Quintin on a private ranch. I stopped by and chatted with the rancher and he only changes $2 to ride there.
Seems lead free there.

I ride the back hills and back trails of Rosarito Beach a lot on my vintage dirt bike (76 Aermacchi SX250). Somedays it's more like a walk than a ride- but that's the fun of riding/restoring old bikes. The terrain is varied with lots of agricultiural patches. I've never had a problem with any guards of any kind- although most agricultural areas are fenced and gated.

I did encounter a piece of barbed wire strung chest high tree-to-tree across a dirt trail once- but managed to just scuff myhelmet helmet when I ducked in time. A horseman riding that trail wouldn't have been as lucky. They def. didn't target me- they just didn't want company.

elgatoloco - 11-4-2008 at 07:13 PM

I think we all need to wait until we hear the real story of the "accidental" shooting in the Baja Times. :rolleyes:

bent-rim - 11-6-2008 at 09:22 AM

Interested people might want to check out this website about the rider getting shot. www.**************.com

Dave - 11-6-2008 at 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bent-rim
Interested people might want to check out this website about the rider getting shot. www.**************.com

This info needs to get to the Tribune.

tripledigitken - 11-6-2008 at 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bent-rim
Interested people might want to check out this website about the rider getting shot. www.**************.com

Everyone that ventures offroad in Baja Norte should read this report. :fire:

Thanks for posing this bent-rim.

Ken

bent-rim - 11-6-2008 at 10:15 AM

De nada

mtgoat666 - 11-6-2008 at 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Why does a 'ranch' need a GUARD???

Perhaps it was a 'cilantro' farm, afterall!! :rolleyes:

possibly the rider was trespassing on private property.

people need guards for all sorts of reasons -- in these days of narco wars, the good guys have guards and the bad guys have guards, and anybody who feels like a target and can afford a guard has a guard.
if a masked/helmeted rider was riding on or thru private property, many people would shoot first and ask questions later.

you would be wise to avoid exploring rural roads you don't know or have knowledge of, particularly in northern baja region and close to border. best to wait for the narco wars to subside before exploring off the track areas,...

wilderone - 11-6-2008 at 11:49 AM

We got lost once in an area between La Rumarosa and Mex 3, by the mining district, pine covered hills. There are so many roads criss-crossing, we couldn't tell where we were, so we stopped at the first rancho where we saw someone to ask. The rancho was fenced, and barking, snarling dogs ran up to us; the guy was an armed guard, and when he approached us at the gate, his hand was on the gun. It wasn't a "farm" and we weren't on a private road. There might be "bosses" living up there, and plenty of places to bury a body.

David K - 11-6-2008 at 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bent-rim
Interested people might want to check out this website about the rider getting shot. www.**************.com

When I kept seeing the anti SCORE official insurance company (Instant Mexico Insurance) comments repeated over and over, it sent up a red flag...

[Edited on 11-7-2008 by David K]

jeans - 11-6-2008 at 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by bent-rim
Interested people might want to check out this website about the rider getting shot. www.**************.com

When I kept seeing the anti SCORE official insurance company (Instant Mexico Insurance) comments repeated over and over, it sent up a red flag...

Whoever wrote that is barely literate. Is it who I think it is? :lol:

gnukid - 11-7-2008 at 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jeans

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by bent-rim
Interested people might want to check out this website about the rider getting shot. www.**************.com

When I kept seeing the anti SCORE official insurance company (Instant Mexico Insurance) comments repeated over and over, it sent up a red flag...

Whoever wrote that is barely literate. Is it who I think it is? :lol:

(From the extensive reports) There is no evidence that anyone crossed into a ranch or across the closed gate from where the shooter was. So it really does suck that the vigilante took a shot at the victims chest. It is good to know that the victim is going to make it though is in very serious condition.

However it should be clear that riding bikes off road to remote areas in Baja to explore will eventually cause unpleasant encounters, like this with possible serious threats or intimidation.

What's really unfortunate is that the police refused to return to the scene as well as federal officers-no investigation and no charges will be filed, the rider lost his bike there in addition to being shot.

There is an interesting comment and photo within the reports that may be related which says "Elements of Mexican Navy (Naval Marines tasked for anti-crime details) and municipal police of the port of Ensenada (Federal and local cops), surrounded Ensenada from dawn of this Friday (Oct. 31), with the arrest of several people. Police would not comment on any details. Late Saturday, it was announced, one of the largest busts in Mexican history went down in Ensenada Friday and today. Nearly 2 tons of drugs and 400 million dollars, of American currency, was taken in Ensenada."

And there have been continuous arrests and 33 murderous attacks in TJ over the week period.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20081106-9...
Argh!

bent-rim - 11-7-2008 at 08:22 AM

I realize that the article I posted was not Pulitzer Prize worthy writing and that some of it was inflamatory towards SCORE, however I don't understand why the link I posted was expunged. We're mostly adults here and are capable of sorting through the chaff to get to the story. An explanation would be great.
Thanks.

mtgoat666 - 11-7-2008 at 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bent-rim
I realize that the article I posted was not Pulitzer Prize worthy writing and that some of it was inflamatory towards SCORE, however I don't understand why the link I posted was expunged. We're mostly adults here and are capable of sorting through the chaff to get to the story. An explanation would be great.
Thanks.

purely guessing here, but maybe mod is more interested in appeasing SCORE or the insurance company than he/she was interested in allowing the link to criticism.

David K - 11-7-2008 at 10:01 AM

Quote:

I went to that link and read what was there, so here's my take on why Doug removed it: That link went to a blog that is run by a person who has shown many to be untrustworthy, untruthful, and hostile to all other Baja travel organizations that have discovered his true side. Yes, jeans... it may be who you are thinking of!

[Edited on 11-7-2008 by David K]

CaboRon - 11-7-2008 at 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

purely guessing here, but maybe mod is more interested in appeasing SCORE or the insurance company than he/she was interested in allowing the link to criticism.

BINGO !!

You just have to wonder , don't you.

CaboRon

gnukid - 11-7-2008 at 11:03 AM

Seems to me that the incident is very well reported? There are few if any questions that remain?

Its mexico.

BajaNomad - 11-7-2008 at 04:59 PM

Knock it off.

I censored a site that in my opinion consistently has information that is unreliable, and focused on massaging someone's personal agenda(s) - as well as possibly their ego - more than anything else.

Reference:
http://www.mikeovercastsucks.com

There's more background on this person's abuse(s) of this site as well in the archives if you want to go search around.

The information you want more background on was mostly copied word-for-word from this thread elsewhere:
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=708840

Go there to see the follow-through info and first-hand accounts of the shooting situation.

--
Doug

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboRon

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

purely guessing here, but maybe mod is more interested in appeasing SCORE or the insurance company than he/she was interested in allowing the link to criticism.

BINGO !!

You just have to wonder , don't you.

CaboRon

Shooter arrested!!!!

Corky1 - 12-3-2008 at 03:21 PM

Mexican Justice is slow but it does work. At least sometimes.

http://www.baja.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24992

Corky :lol:

Additional news. http://ensenada.net/noticias/?id=13742

Please Translate if you can.

[Edited on 12-3-2008 by Corky1]

[Edited on 12-3-2008 by Corky1]

N2Baja - 12-3-2008 at 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad
Knock it off.

I censored a site that in my opinion consistently has information that is unreliable, and focused on massaging someone's personal agenda(s) - as well as possibly their ego - more than anything else.

Reference:
http://www.mikeovercastsucks.com

There's more background on this person's abuse(s) of this site as well in the archives if you want to go search around.

The information you want more background on was mostly copied word-for-word from this thread elsewhere:
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=708840

Go there to see the follow-through info and first-hand accounts of the shooting situation.

--
Doug

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboRon

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

purely guessing here, but maybe mod is more interested in appeasing SCORE or the insurance company than he/she was interested in allowing the link to criticism.

BINGO !!

You just have to wonder , don't you.

CaboRon

N2Baja - 12-3-2008 at 04:03 PM

oops, my bad. don't beat me up! ignore that post above. I don't remember hitting the 'post reply' button! :rolleyes:

I was just going to post about the arrest of the shooter and noticed the post from Doug. I wanted to say that I agree with his decision to remove the link to MO's site. He's a scumbag.

Regarding the arrest of the shooter. This is great news! I hope he's punished for his actions. This is a small incident in light of everything else going on around Tijuana, but I hope it gives some relief to those who's lives were so effected by it.

David K - 12-3-2008 at 04:26 PM

N2Baja... YOU have he ability to remove your own posts... or edit posts to make changes, spelling corrections, etc.

See the 'edit' button right next to where you are reading your post (your post, not mine)? Click that, then a pop up will give you the ability to re-type something or to delete the entire post... it says ! Delete this message !

Then click the bottom button that says: Edit Post

Take care!

[Edited on 12-3-2008 by David K]