In a rare admission of error, Baja California officials acknowledged that mistakes were made during the deadly shootout with convicted murderer and fugitive César Hernández on April 9.
Hernández, who had previously escaped from U.S. custody last year, was able to escape again after a police officer was killed in the Barcelona Residencial neighborhood of Tijuana. The state government issued a statement regarding the incident, which came after days of silence.
According to Laureano Carrillo Rodríguez, Secretary of Citizen Security for Baja California, there were specific errors in the operation that led to Hernández’s second escape. He acknowledged that training is being increased to prevent similar incidents in the future and that consequences will be met by commanders involved in the failed operation.
“We are reviewing our protocols and enhancing training,” Carrillo Rodríguez said. “In fact, this is already underway. We’ve gathered all intelligence agents in Tecate, where they will receive training next week.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also weighed in on the matter during her presidential morning press conference on Wednesday, ruling out any involvement by U.S. authorities in the operation.
However, Carrillo Rodríguez noted that the matter is still under investigation and that if it turns out there was involvement, sanctions will be imposed on any officers who allowed it.
Considering the death of Officer Abigail Esparza, state authorities have assured the public that they have contacted her family to offer support. Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila acknowledged that while homicides have decreased, incidents like this remain concerning and efforts to prevent them will continue.
Source: NBC San Diego
