Mahahual, Q.R. — Police killed a gunman during an exchange of gunfire Thursday in the seaside town of Mahahual. The shootout began while police were in the middle of a search operation.
The Thursday exchange of gunfire was videoed by onlookers on the Mahahual boardwalk between Caborca Cartel hitmen and Ministerial Police shortly after 4:00 p.m. Police were in the process of searching a hotel when they were fired upon.
During the operation, one suspect, who was on the state’s Most Wanted list, was killed. Four others were arrested. Police confirmed the search operation and subsequent exchange of gunfire Thursday.
Police said “as a result of investigation, intelligence and fieldwork, they carried out an operation in the town of Mahahual, resulting in the arrest of four people.” The four were arrested “for their probable participation in events related to the crime of forced disappearance in the municipalities of Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Bacalar.
“During the operation, investigative police officers were attacked with firearms by individuals guarding the area. The attack was repelled, resulting in the death of Eduardo Ameth “N,” alias “Comandante” and/or “Calaco,” identified as a priority target of the Quintana Roo Crime Atlas and a perpetrator of violence in Felipe Carrillo Puerto.
“In addition to the arrests, the Prosecutor’s Office seized handguns and rifles, tactical vests, vehicles, and a laptop computer that was allegedly used to remotely monitor video surveillance cameras at the entrances and exits of Mahahual and Felipe Carrillo Puerto,” police said in a statement.
“Investigations indicate that the detainees and the deceased were allegedly part of a criminal group engaged in illicit activities in the region, led by Ángel Manuel “N,” alias “El Galindo,” linked to multiple disappearances in the area.
“The Attorney General’s Office of the State of Quintana Roo reiterates its commitment to combating crime and strengthening the rule of law, in order to guarantee security and justice in the state,” they reported.
