Investigators announced Wednesday the arrest of three suspects linked to a shootout in Baja California, Mexico, that left 10 people dead, including three Americans participating in an event for off-road vehicle enthusiasts.
The men were arrested in connection with the shootout between what authorities believe were two organized crime groups in the quiet town of San Vicente on May 20. Some of the members killed in the crossfire were San Diego residents participating in a point-to-point, off-road rally called "Cachanillazo."
The suspects have been identified only by their first names: Edgardo, Luis Felipe, and Hugo (Mexican authorities don't typically identify suspects by their last names).
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State prosecutor Ricardo Iván Carpio Sánchez said their investigation led them to an address near Ensenada where a search warrant was served. Inside the home, authorities found guns, what appeared to be meth, and items that are believed to be tied to the shooting, the Attorney General's Office said. A white Ford Expedition with California plates was also located but its connection to the crime was unclear.
The shooting about 115 miles south of the San Diego border began when a black van with gunmen started firing at several parked cars. Authorities say another group returned fire and the black van was later found to have “perforations from gunshots and traces of blood inside.”
Ten people were killed in the crossfire, including three Americans, the U.S. State Department said Tuesday. The individuals have not yet been identified but NBC 7 has spoken with the families of two San Diegans who were killed in the shooting, Roberto Isaias “Tito” Ayala, 22, and Josue Herrera, 19.
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Ayala's family said a group pulled off the highway in San Vicente, about 50 miles south of Ensenada, to get gas before continuing on the next leg of the rally. Among the group was an organized crime leader who was the target of the attack, according to prosecutors.
Videos posted on social media showed heavy shooting and at least three bodies lying on the ground. Another nine people were injured in the violence, Mexican authorities reported.
A Baja California prosecutor said more than 250 shots were fired from at least 13 weapons, including handguns and rifles.
A San Vicente law enforcement officer said there were no injuries to town members.
