A clash between armed civilians in the municipality of Zitácuaro, Michoacán, was reported on the afternoon of June 19. A convenience store and vehicles were burned at the scene, and drug-related roadblocks were established.
The Michoacán Public Security Secretariat (SSP) reported that, in conjunction with elements of the Ministry of National Defense (Defense), an operation was deployed in the municipality where the clashes were reported.
According to the state authority, the events occurred on the J. Múgica bypass, near a vehicle dealership and behind the bus station.
“Surveillance has been reinforced at convenience stores and roads in this district; C5 Michoacán is working to find those responsible for these events,” the agency stated in a brief post on its social media.
Meanwhile, the Quadratín news agency highlighted that the perpetrators of these shootings are antagonistic organized crime groups, and the events occurred after 2 p.m.
Three vehicles and an OXXO store were burned during these incidents, according to Quadratín.
The Michoacán Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to Infobae México that a minor died from gunshot wounds. Two more individuals were reportedly injured due to attacks by hitmen, allegedly from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The newspaper El Universal reported that hitmen working for William Edwin Rivera Padilla, alias “El Barbas,” the regional plaza leader of the CJNG, were behind these incidents. According to the outlet, the actions of this criminal cell are due to operations carried out by federal authorities in the area.
The clashes, which began on the outskirts of the municipality, moved to the center of Zitácuaro.
Videos circulating on social media show how the gunfire was heard in nearby areas, where children inside schools had to throw themselves to the ground to protect themselves from the gunfire.
Later, the Michoacán Prosecutor’s Office reported that it is investigating the death of the 5-year-old boy, who died as a result of gunshot wounds.
“At 2:00 p.m., personnel from the institution arrived at the Regional Hospital, where the death of a minor identified by the initials E.A.R.R., aged 5, was reported aboard a private vehicle,” the local Public Prosecutor’s Office reported.
According to the ministerial authority, the victim was traveling with his mother, Brenda R., 25, and two of his siblings, aged 4 and 10, respectively. They suffered gunshot wounds and were referred for treatment.
Meanwhile, forensic investigations were conducted at three convenience stores located in the Lomas Oriente, José María Morelos, and El Calvario neighborhoods; the first was set on fire, and the remaining two were damaged by gunfire.
Source: infobae
