A shooting in downtown Monterrey, Nuevo León, injured seven people Thursday evening, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the region amid increasing cartel activity. The incident,which unfolded on the busy Avenida Juárez,stemmed from a reported dispute between drug vendors,according to local authorities [[1]]. This latest outbreak of violence occurs following recent clashes with the Northeast cartel and underscores the challenges facing law enforcement efforts in Nuevo León [[2]].
A shooting in downtown Monterrey, Nuevo León, on Thursday, February 5, left seven people injured, including a 16-year-old boy. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of gun violence in the region.
The gunfire erupted around 6:00 p.m. local time on Avenida Juárez, between Aramberri and Modesto Arreola, according to the Nuevo León Attorney General’s Office. Multiple pedestrians and business owners were caught in the crossfire, with many seeking shelter as the shooting unfolded.
Authorities confirmed that the incident began with a foot pursuit. Witnesses reported seeing individuals running from others who were yelling for them to stop before shots were fired.
“One of the citizens reported that they saw subjects running, with others chasing them and telling them to stop, and that’s when the shooting started,” said Eduardo Sánchez Quiroz, Commissioner of the Monterrey Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection.
“What we have in images are four people involved, four people we see in the videos running – those we believe are the aggressors or the victims,” Sánchez Quiroz added.
Upon arrival, medical personnel and Monterrey police found two injured individuals on the sidewalk, along with numerous shell casings.
Further investigation in the area revealed two women taking refuge inside a chicken restaurant and two others inside a small eatery. A man was also found seeking cover nearby.
The Nuevo León Justice Prosecutor’s Office identified the injured as Norma, 43; Diego, 60; Raquel, 42; Ofelia, 55; Erika, 43; Alison, 16; and Gilberto, 46. All were transported to Hospital 21 of the IMSS and Metropolitan Hospital for treatment.
“None of the injuries are considered life-threatening. One person has a through-and-through wound to the forearm, another a graze on the wrist, another to the gluteus, and another a splinter injury. They all received prompt medical attention,” Sánchez Quiroz said.
Monterrey police officials attributed the shooting to a dispute between drug vendors operating in the area.
“What’s happening is that there are two antagonistic groups, or people selling drugs, and they’re arguing. At least one of them pulls out a gun and fires several shots,” Sánchez Quiroz explained. He referenced ongoing efforts to combat narcotrafficking operations in Nuevo León.
Police stated they have video footage of the individuals involved, obtained from security cameras throughout the city’s C4 Regio network, and will be providing the footage to the Justice Prosecutor’s Office.
The shooting prompted a complete closure of Avenida Benito Juárez, a major thoroughfare through downtown Monterrey, causing significant traffic disruptions. The incident follows a recent event where five alleged hitmen linked to the Northeast Cartel were killed in a separate operation in Nuevo León.
