This email was forwarded to me from a forum member. As best I can tell, it's perfectly legit, although I haven't been in Penasco to verify any of this. I'm posting it to let everyone know to stay alert.
I know I often travel after dark at this time of year due to the short days. I'm usually not by myself in my truck, but I am often the only vehicle on the road for miles at a time. May be worth slowing down a bit and traveling with a group of others you see heading down the road.
************************
*Dear Bella Sirena Homeowners,*
Unfortunately, I need to share with you a disturbing incident that occurred to the family of fellow Bella Sirena homeowners on their trip to Penasco on Saturday, December 26, 2009. When they were about five miles south of Sonoita at about 5:40 PM, they were carjacked. Their SUV with all its contents was taken by armed men. Very shortly thereafter, they were picked up by American travelers and taken back to the border and were later taken to Penasco by the police. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
I have spoken with several authorities about this incident. There is unprecedented cooperation going on between the police in Sonoita and Penasco and the state police and governor’s office in Sonora. They are very hopeful that they will be able to apprehend the perpetrators of this crime quickly.
I felt that it was my duty to make you aware of this incident. My husband and I traveled to Penasco on Sunday, December 27 at midday and had no problems whatsoever. Perhaps the following tips may make our travels to Rocky Point safer:
1. Travel during daylight hours if possible.
2. If traveling at night, travel in groups. If you are not with a group, wait at the border until other Americans cross and then ask to caravan with them. There is always safety in numbers.
3. The emergency number in Mexico is 066 (equal to 911 in the US).
I have spent a great deal of time and effort finding out as much as possible about this incident before communicating it to the community. Primarily, I wanted to ensure that I had all the facts so not to inadvertently alarm anyone with misrepresentations related to the incident. I certainly love coming to Rocky Point and am not suggesting anyone stay away. Incidents like this can happen anywhere, even in our own country. I just feel that it is important to remind ourselves that when traveling anywhere, whether in the US or in any foreign country, that we must always be vigilant and use reasonable precautionary measures.
Jean Danzer
Bella Sirena HOA President
***************
I heard about this incident, and another attempt at a jacking by the same bad guy's some hours before this one. I heard this story Saturday from someone who lives in Rocky Point, and we're both wondering why there has been no news reports as the lady involved in the car jacking was supposed to have been from Canada, and a journalist...I'm also wondering why this report has no mention of the attempted jacking before this one, because the two party's were alleged to have met in Sonoita. It looks like the what I heard about the other attempted jacking, and this one are getting blurred and mixed together...I'll wait for confirmation on this deal... We've heard way to many wild tales to jump on board without it.
Stuarts right, heads up!! Use some common sense, just like in Phoenix or Tucson.
Dog gone, I wish the edit deal would stay up....OK, I checked and I received my email about this incident on Sunday, not Saturday, and the bad guy's were supposed to have been in a reddish colored Ford Expedition, so don't caravan with a reddish colored Ford Expedition.
They used to trouble me. After the years they don't. We ran into a group of about ten at the old train depot on the El Gulfo run about six years ago. I have photos standing next to them. I don't know why they were there but I have an idea that it had something to do with contraband.
This incident has severely pissed off the administration in Penasco. When these guys are caught (they will be caught) they will wish they would have stayed home that day instead of doing this bad deed. They will be poster children as to why you should not hassle folks on their way to Penasco. This is a small town and things like this are not tolerated. Everybody knows everybody and it is only a matter of days when all of this comes into the light. I still love it here and do not fear because the scene of the entire world is getting increasingly more desperate and as moral humans we just have to be more careful in everything we do. Just be good to everyone you deal with.
Actor Carly Pope and brother recovering with broken bones after carjacking
December 30, 2009 8:31 p.m. Be the first to comment
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VANCOUVER, B.C. - Vancouver actor Carly Pope and her brother are recovering with broken bones after a bizarre carjacking in downtown Vancouver that has led to charges against an Alberta man.
Kris Pope, also an actor, confirmed that he and his sister were injured in the incident on Tuesday, although he said he couldn't say anything about what actually happened.
"We're recovering, but we're pretty banged up," Kris Pope told The Canadian Press in a brief interview Wednesday.
"Carly's got a couple of broken vertebrae, and I've got a broken wrist, possibly a broken ankle and a smashed up face."
Vancouver police have said the altercation began when a screaming man ran up to a BMW at an intersection and jumped on the hood of the car. Police wouldn't comment on the Popes' involvement, saying only that the BMW was driven by a man with his sister as a passenger.
Police said when the driver got out, the suspect jumped inside, put the car in reverse and slammed into five other cars before crashing into the CBC building.
David Fomradas, 31, faces charges of kidnapping, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and dangerous driving.
Pope said he and his sister were released from hospital later Tuesday evening.
The siblings were raised in Vancouver.
Carly Pope has appeared in several movies and television series, including "24," "Californication" and "Robson Arms," while her brother Kris has had brief appearances in TV shows such as "The L Word" and "Smallville."
Carjacking warning Drivers urged to be aware of potential car-theft scam.
By David Williams
Motorists have been warned to be wary of a new carjacking ruse in the run-up to Christmas.
Thieves are reportedly leaving notes or leaflets on the rear windows of parked cars. Drivers don't spot the piece of paper until they start the engine and look over their shoulder to manoeuvre.
When they get out to retrieve the note carjackers are reportedly pouncing into the driver's seat and making off with the car.
Details of the ruse have been widely circulated via an anonymous email. [...]
November 21, 2009 | 9:37am A man who allegedly used a shotgun to carjack a woman about a block away from the Foothill police station in Pacoima led police on a chase before barricading himself in an Arleta home for several hours. He was arrested late Friday night, Los Angeles police said. Oscar Orozco, 22, allegedly brandished a shotgun to force the woman out of her car near Osborne Street and Telfair Avenue around 7:30 p.m., said Sgt. Andrew Chase of the Foothill station. The woman ran to the nearby police station to report the crime and police pursued the suspect in cars and by helicopter. The chase led officers to a home on Kewen Avenue. Orozco allegedly barged in, forcing the two occupants out, while a young woman hid inside a bathroom and called police. The SWAT team responded. After several hours, police caught Orozco trying to escape out a window of the home. Orozco was taken to a nearby hospital for minor injuries. No one else was injured, Chase said. Orozco was booked on suspicion of carjacking. -- Baxter Holmes
2 People Shot, 2 In Custody After Carjacking, Chase
Suspects Shoot Victim, Police Shoot Suspect
POSTED: 2:48 pm EST December 24, 2009
UPDATED: 9:38 pm EST December 24, 2009 JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. -- Police said one man was taken to the hospital in serious condition and two suspects were in custody after a carjacking, chase and standoff that led police across Jeffersonville, Ind.Police said it all started around 11 a.m. on Thursday on Market Street near Walnut Street. That's where they said two suspects dumped a man who had been shot in the head on the side of the road."Callers identified a subject being pushed out or shoved out of a car at that intersection and was on the ground -- he had been shot in the head," said Detective Todd Hollis with the Jeffersonville Police Department.Police said the suspects -- one male and one female -- led police on a chase before abandoning their vehicle near the intersection of Eighth and Fulton streets. They then took off on foot."He (the officer) found the van still running and the door open and there was blood in the vehicle so he knew he had the right vehicle," Hollis said.Police said the suspects then went door to door, trying to gain entry into apartments and homes. They eventually got into a building on Indiana Avenue, a few doors down from Pamela Nolin."We looked outside and I'm like, 'What is going on around here?' And the officer down at the very end of the street said, 'Either get in your car or get the kid and yourself inside and lock the doors,'" Nolin said.Police blocked off her entire neighborhood and put it in lockdown, as they closed in on the building the two suspects were in. After several tense minutes, both emerged. The female suspect surrendered, but the male suspect bolted again, police said."He looked around and he saw what was happening and took off across our two neighbors' yards, cut across half of my yard and then he went between the two buildings and up the hill and the two shots were fired and they had him -- he was cornered," Nolin said.Police said one of those shots stopped the suspect in his tracks."When I saw them coming back from behind the building, he was limping and they were holding him," Nolin said.Police said they later found two handguns and bloody clothing inside the building the two suspects were hiding in.With both suspects in custody, Nolin's neighborhood is at ease once again."I'm glad that they got him and we don't have to worry about our kids going outside," Nolin said.Police said the male suspect was shot in the leg and is expected to recover from his injuries. Hollis added that both suspects had prior criminal histories. He said possible charges include attempted murder, felony robbery and resisting arrest.The victim, who police described as a middle-aged Hispanic male, is in serious condition at University Hospital.Police have not released the names of anyone involved.
I heard about the incident, too, but couldn't post about it without confirmation. That would have been irresponsible, to my way of thinking. Big thanks to Rosy for a job well done.
I heard about the incident, too, but couldn't post about it without confirmation. That would have been irresponsible, to my way of thinking. Big thanks to Rosy for a job well done.
Why did it take 5 day's for this to come out? I heard about this incident and another attempted carjacking that same night on Sunday morning, and I live in Prescott! I didn't post it out of respect for the person who sent me the info, but for the story to be held back this long is just wrong.
If what you think you are doing by bringing all those other carjacking stories to our attention was balance Mexicoruss, where's the story, where's our story? I thought Mexico had a free press, but it seems to be run by businessmen with vested interest's in the tourist trade. If there was "balance" we would have had the story right away with ALL THE WHERE, WHY, AND WHENS in place as it should be in all democracy's with a free press.
I've been going down to PP and Cholla Bay since I was a kid, over fifty years, and this isolated incident will not discourage myself or my friends in any way from coming down. I will like Stuart, Chari and others, continue to come down by myself with less concern than driving in many parts of Tucson or Phoenix.
As far as the military trucks on the road with masked guy's with automatic rifles is concerned. It may be reassuring to us who know the county and how things are done here, but it scares the crap out of the average tourist.
Motorists have been warned to be wary of a new carjacking ruse in the run-up to Christmas.
Thieves are reportedly leaving notes or leaflets on the rear windows of parked cars. Drivers don't spot the piece of paper until they start the engine and look over their shoulder to manoeuvre.
When they get out to retrieve the note carjackers are reportedly pouncing into the driver's seat and making off with the car.
Details of the ruse have been widely circulated via an anonymous email. [...]
Oh great, give the local car thieves ideas !!!! :rofl::rofl::rofl:
Nice video Rosy...but for now, it's "words"...I want to see the action.
I do have to note that last night when I drove back up to the border to meet my daughter and her mom who were coming down, there were 2 federale highway patrol units working the stretch outside of Sonoyta....maybe in response to the hijacking??? or just to bring in some more money with speeding tickets???:twisted::twisted:
I'm sure that there is an attempt to "protect" the privacy of the victims, but it would be nice to know HOW it actually happened!!! Is it some ruse that was used to get them to stop?? were they run off the road??? were there gunmen standing in the middle of the road???? That would definitely help other potential victims from avoiding problems.
That would have been irresponsible, to my way of thinking.
Not so. I believe everybody has a right to know ASAP. I post any information I obtain that appears to be from a legitimate source. If this was one of those "happened to a friend of friend's uncle" things, then I totally agree with you; it's not worth even mentioning. Unfortunately, this incident was all too real. Hopefully, it's an isolated event.
I'm glad to see the city involved so quickly in damage control. Getting the word out from a high level, as well as information about what is being done to prevent this from happening again, goes a long way in helping people feel safer. Good job, Rosie.
Russ - no need to post the other carjackings from all over the world. We know it can and does happen anywhere. You're preaching to the choir on this forum.
The quick reaction by Mexican authorities will be key. This kind of crap has been happening in Baja for quite awhile; I know of many SoCal fisherman that have been raised as kids going to Baja to fish with their family their whole lives that will no longer even cross the border. Trucks and fishing boats are jacked under the guise of "police", never to be seen again. I'd hate to see that reputation and type of criminal activity spread east to Penasco.
I'm sure that there is an attempt to "protect" the privacy of the victims, but it would be nice to know HOW it actually happened!!! Is it some ruse that was used to get them to stop?? were they run off the road??? were there gunmen standing in the middle of the road???? That would definitely help other potential victims from avoiding problems.
If you look at the bottom of the 2nd page Joe, I kind of covered that... I might just like your way better though.:razz:
Interesting that Rosie's video seems to have broken the story, which has not been on the news wire services. Also, lying or distorting the facts about things on the part of public officials does not give much comfort. Oh, you mean someone forgot to mention the other incident, or oh no it was a different KIND of incident, they didn't actually get the vehicle.
Interesting that Rosie's video seems to have broken the story, which has not been on the news wire services. Also, lying or distorting the facts about things on the part of public officials does not give much comfort. Oh, you mean someone forgot to mention the other incident, or oh no it was a different KIND of incident, they didn't actually get the vehicle.
It's kind of funny that no one had picked up on that, or they just ignored it, considering I'd posted about another attempt that same night Roberto.
I'm sure that there is an attempt to "protect" the privacy of the victims, but it would be nice to know HOW it actually happened!!! Is it some ruse that was used to get them to stop?? were they run off the road??? were there gunmen standing in the middle of the road???? That would definitely help other potential victims from avoiding problems.
Agreed. I have seen, on at least two recent occasions, an unmarked, new F150 pickup pulling over vehicles south of Sonoita. It had no police markings whatsoever, other than flashing blue/red lights on the dashboard. It pulled up behind me one trip, then quickly went around me and pulled over the vehicle in front of me that had Sonoran plates. On another occasion, I saw a very similar vehicle with a Mexican van pulled over and the family standing beside the road and got a clear look at the "officers" searching the vehicle, if that's what they are. They were not in uniform, but did have guns holstered at their side.
This was very discerning to me for a couple of reasons:
I would not stop for an unmarked vehicle that had flashing lights on the dashboard. It's one of the ploys fake cops use all the time here in the US, let alone in Mexico.
Even if I did stop and was approached by two guys not in uniform carrying guns, my 1st reaction would be to hit the gas and vamoose in Mexico. Too many years of not knowing if the cops were even really the cops, let alone two guys in street clothes not even displaying a badge!
So, to Rosie, Russ, and everyone else - you might want to make it clear to the powers that be that they need to clearly identify their law enforcement vehicles and officers. Also, be forthcoming on what actually happened and how it happened so that everyone knows what to be looking for. The need for privacy is one thing - we don't need to know the family's name. But we do need to know how this unfortunate event happened to them.
I have to fly cross-country on Monday and you can bet your sweet bippy I'll have my eye on anybody that even looks Muslim the whole time. Sorry if that's politically uncorrect and profiling, but I'm pretty damned certain I don't have to worry about the nice elderly lady seated across from me blowing up the plane. I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels this way right now. Why? Because we know who and what to look for.
Sorry for the preaching Stuart and all of you. Its just that in my line of work I spend an inordinate amount of time talking about security or lack thereof. For some reason when something happens to an American in Mexico it is much worse than when it happens elsewhere in the world including the story out of Canada which is truly horrific. I believe it is necessary to balance the news as it comes out. As for the little old lady scenario I actually laughed a little as a couple of years ago I was conducting a caravan of motorhomes out of Mexico through the Nogales POE. A little old lady and her little old man were arrested for smuggling grass in the AC units (hollowed out) on top of their RV it was novel and I kind of think it was a set up. So it just shows that we need to be careful no matter where we are or who we are with... Just thoughts from a guy who has to go North for a few days and is really resisting the thought of going back to the US for any reason...
Also Stuart, as a full time resident here I know a little about the stuff that goes on. The unmarked vehicles are extremely important to the authorities, having said that I would not pull over for an unmarked vehicle anywhere either. These guys are usually with the special DEA type units here in Mexico. I went to San Carlos Son last week and there was an accident. There were 4 marked federal highway cars and at least 3 unmarked suburbans with their dash lights on so for at least at that point they were all legit and the folks that crashed were really happy that they showed up when they did. Hasta la vista todo nesecito vieje por los estados. YUK!
Why did it take 5 day's for this to come out? I heard about this incident and another attempted carjacking that same night on Sunday morning, and I live in Prescott! I didn't post it out of respect for the person who sent me the info, but for the story to be held back this long is just wrong.
If what you think you are doing by bringing all those other carjacking stories to our attention was balance Mexicoruss, where's the story, where's our story? I thought Mexico had a free press, but it seems to be run by businessmen with vested interest's in the tourist trade. If there was "balance" we would have had the story right away with ALL THE WHERE, WHY, AND WHENS in place as it should be in all democracy's with a free press.
I've been going down to PP and Cholla Bay since I was a kid, over fifty years, and this isolated incident will not discourage myself or my friends in any way from coming down. I will like Stuart, Chari and others, continue to come down by myself with less concern than driving in many parts of Tucson or Phoenix.
As far as the military trucks on the road with masked guy's with automatic rifles is concerned. It may be reassuring to us who know the county and how things are done here, but it scares the crap out of the average tourist.
Kenny
Kenny, why in the world would you expect news from Mexico to be broadcast to a USA audience. Rosie is doing the translating and the news telling that is what she is great at. So it was reported in the local news and it takes time to get it out to the 62 different channels that we create. These guys down here dont get all the stories of killings and car jackings that happen in the US unless it relates to them somehow. So there is no conspiracy to keep the news down, it is just non relevant to most people. I hate all form of thief or corrupt person regardless of nationality. But it does not matter to me too much if it happens somewhere other than where I live because it does not relate anything to me. Live well and be good to everyone around you - thats all you can do.
Kenny, why in the world would you expect news from Mexico to be broadcast to a USA audience. Rosie is doing the translating and the news telling that is what she is great at. So it was reported in the local news and it takes time to get it out to the 62 different channels that we create. These guys down here dont get all the stories of killings and car jackings that happen in the US unless it relates to them somehow. So there is no conspiracy to keep the news down, it is just non relevant to most people. I hate all form of thief or corrupt person regardless of nationality. But it does not matter to me too much if it happens somewhere other than where I live because it does not relate anything to me. Live well and be good to everyone around you - thats all you can do.
Who said anything about a US audience in particular, and why did I know about it the next day? How many people do you think have come and gone in the last 6 day's? You can't be saying that it was broadcast or reported in Mexico or Rocky Point in a timely manner, or with the full report, can you? It very obvious because of your business interests that this is bad news money wise, but a open and free press is paramount, and comes before you or any business interest's you may have in Mexico.
The unmarked vehicles are extremely important to the authorities, having said that I would not pull over for an unmarked vehicle anywhere either.
Damned if you do and damned if you don't, eh? I do understand the need. It's a little easier to tell unmarked police here in the US. They generally have flashing lights installed somewhere permanent, like in the grill. Also, the headlights also flash alternately between left and right. And 95% of the time, it's a typical Ford Crown Vic police cruiser sans police paint. But, when the only identification is a stick-on flashing light on the dashboard, that's ALWAYS suspect in my mind!
Kenney, you knew about it because it happened to someone that relates to you. Thats no shock. Bad news travels fast. Yes bad press is bad for tourism based businesses but I agree with you that everyone needs to be in on whats going on as it relates to them. I would never ever put my business interest in front of anybodies safety that would be immoral and I am a moral person. I honestly think the story got out as quick as it could as to its unusual and strange makeup. I will check with my friends in Sonoyta and report what they know tomorrow so check back. As far as the open and free press I have opinions regarding that (IE FOX news) a lot of that is mind numbing drivel and you know it. It is hard to separate the facts from the lies most of the time. So getting something to press in order to get it fast is not necessarily the best way, it may be the American way but it may not be the best way.
Kenny, why in the world would you expect news from Mexico to be broadcast to a USA audience?.
Not trying to take issue with you Russ, but since you asked - THE AMERICAN MEDIA THRIVES ON THIS STUFF!! They are all about trying to convince us how unsafe it is to travel to Mexico! Not a day goes by I don't read a story about another narco murder in Mexico. Or the drug war in Mexico. Or how many people have died so far this year in Mexico, etc., etc., etc. The sensationalism of a story like this involving a real live tourist family with children is like pouring gas on a fire to the US media. I'm surprised they're not all over this story like flies on a pile of dog poop!
Granted the economy has been the major suck this year and is one factor, but blame the media for all the negative Mexico hype this year for killing off much of the tourist trade. People still ask me "Aren't you afraid?" when I tell them I'm heading to Mexico to go fishing. Why do you think that is? Of course, I tell them "Hell no, ain't skeered!" But, I'm not a mindless sheeple led around by what I read in the media. I go, I know, and I consider myself one of the best goodwill ambassadors around when it comes to traveling to Mexico.
I've said it before, will say it again here. The stake in the heart that will absolutely kill Mexican tourism is when (god forbid) an innocent gringo family is gunned down by the narcos (or whoever) and it hits the press. That will be the death knoll for all of it - condos, spring break, bike rallies, vacations, etc. Might as well just roll the border up and close it, because no one will go.
Stuart - Agreed - I am also not a sheople. I would never live in a place I considered unsafe for my beautiful wife and 16 year old son. I am a member of ASTA which is a travel agent organization and there are regular warnings about travel to Spain, Germany, and other parts of Europe, but somehow Mexico is different and perceptibly more dangerous because it shares a border with the US Travelers still travel though, they know what the truth about this crazy earth is. Rosie and I will do all we can to get the slowness of news to stop as it relates to tourist. The regulars to Penasco will not be deterred but new comers will be shaken by the news. If the authorities do what they should it will mitigate this issue I will inform you when we come up with a plan of action.
Why did it take 5 day's for this to come out? I heard about this incident and another attempted carjacking that same night on Sunday morning, and I live in Prescott! I didn't post it out of respect for the person who sent me the info, but for the story to be held back this long is just wrong.
If what you think you are doing by bringing all those other carjacking stories to our attention was balance Mexicoruss, where's the story, where's our story? I thought Mexico had a free press, but it seems to be run by businessmen with vested interest's in the tourist trade. If there was "balance" we would have had the story right away with ALL THE WHERE, WHY, AND WHENS in place as it should be in all democracy's with a free press.
Good points, Kenny. Believe me, the delay had nothing...trust me, NOTHING...to do with local business interests. It was about a new way of doing things.
As an American, raised in the States, I know the importance of informing the public in a timely manner. But remember, for our local officials, this is new territory. Keep in mind what journalism in Mexico means...honest and fair isn't always the case, so it's understandable that officials would be leery.
Even the RPNO is new. The concept of real local news, written in English. That they agreed to the interview at all is a testament to the fact that they trusted me, as I hope you all do, to be responsible with the information. And that they trust you, our visitors, to keep the incident in proper context. This is just another gap being bridged. It had to happen, we need it to happen, and when they see that it works better this way, information will be more forthcoming...I do believe that.
Nice video Rosy...but for now, it's "words"...I want to see the action.
I do have to note that last night when I drove back up to the border to meet my daughter and her mom who were coming down, there were 2 federale highway patrol units working the stretch outside of Sonoyta....maybe in response to the hijacking??? or just to bring in some more money with speeding tickets???:twisted::twisted:
Ah, Joe...when did you become such a cynic? The last thing officials are going to allow right now are people getting hassled by the authorities. Even a flat tire on the highway this weekend will probably bring help before you know it.
Not so. I believe everybody has a right to know ASAP.
Until about Tuesday, all there was to go on was rumor from the grapevine. Keep in mind that officials were 1. doing all they could to assist the victims and mobilizing to find the culprits. I think after that, much time was spent in high-level meetings, as even the Governor's office is involved.
Our officials are learning how to handle this kind of PR nightmare...and in English. I'll try to be a part of that learning curve for the benefit of our readers.
Interesting that Rosie's video seems to have broken the story, which has not been on the news wire services. Also, lying or distorting the facts about things on the part of public officials does not give much comfort. Oh, you mean someone forgot to mention the other incident, or oh no it was a different KIND of incident, they didn't actually get the vehicle.
The story was broken a day earlier on Mexican radio. I'm glad I was able to convince them to also give us the interview in English. The mayor was out of town and had to authorize it, ergo the 1 day delay.
Obviously, in the interview I was working with some guidelines and structure. That isn't my normal style, and it shows in the video. Also, the matter is one I take very seriously.
That said, the other incident isn't being swept under the carpet. Read the RPNO. You'll have the new issue by tomorrow, latest.
Good points, Kenny. Believe me, the delay had nothing...trust me, NOTHING...to do with local business interests. It was about a new way of doing things.
Trust me Rosie, in no way was I inferring that you had anything to do with this taking so long to come out, and I do realize some of the politics involved. I also remember when Steve Schwab gave you a bad time for reporting the bad news along with the good news, and what your response was to his attempt to, let just say, sway you into his way of thinking.
I'll be looking forward to your full report on this whole deal.
Who said anything about a US audience in particular, and why did I know about it the next day? How many people do you think have come and gone in the last 6 day's? You can't be saying that it was broadcast or reported in Mexico or Rocky Point in a timely manner, or with the full report, can you? It very obvious because of your business interests that this is bad news money wise, but a open and free press is paramount, and comes before you or any business interest's you may have in Mexico.
Let me explain something. Officials here don't read the RPNO, although they should. They didn't even think about informing me. The minute the rumor got to me on Tuesday, I made phone calls and within five minutes had someone in my office (close to city hall, after all) to discuss it with me.
I immediately asked for the interview and we had the authorization the next morning. That afternoon, we did the video, last night it was edited and then uploaded this morning.
Kenny, if you had forwarded me the rumor on Sunday, I would have made the call right away.
I'll follow up every tip, but until local officials begin to see how important this type of communication is, I definitely need your help. The good thing is that we're working with people on this end who are willing to work with us.
Trust me Rosie, in no way was I inferring that you had anything to do with this taking so long to come out, and I do realize some of the politics involved. I also remember when Steve Schwab gave you a bad time for reporting the bad news along with the good news, and what your response was to his attempt to, let just say, sway you into his way of thinking.
I'll be looking forward to your full report on this whole deal.
Kenny
Funny, I never heard from Steve again. I didn't take your comment personally at all. I've got all the info, and when I have it, you'll have it. Thanks, Kenny...I know you're in my corner.
Ah, Joe...when did you become such a cynic? The last thing officials are going to allow right now are people getting hassled by the authorities. Even a flat tire on the highway this weekend will probably bring help before you know it.
Rosy...I've never considered myself a cynic....or perssimist...or even an optimist....I consider myself a realist....whatever that is!!:rofl:In the states, towns use speed traps, etc. for income....and I know of enough stories of even the federale highway patrol being willing to take mordida.....but I will admit, not first hand!!!
As I posted, I am looking forward to hearing the details on the hijacking....
All this talk is vital to all us regular visitors to convince ourselves that there is no problem. Good points are being made. What would happen if one of us did not stop for an unmarked vehicle? Mistakes like this can kill. The road to Penasco has always been a lonely ride and I have always kept an eye open for problems. I will keep coming but I will be more careful in the future. I hope other vehicles do the same.
There are a lot of people relocating to the north of Mexico and jobs are scarce for Mexicans that barely speak English. I have been especially wary of these types because usually they are there because of gang affiliations here and don't have many connections.
We are a lucky bunch to have someone like Rosie to keep us updated. We all have our own oinions but Rosie feeds us the facts. Thank you Rosie, I am getting ready to head down right now and I will take extra precautions and still have a good time.
There was not any yesterday ( 3 pm to about 4 pm). I just expected to see some.
It was New Years Eve and a lot of traffic coming down. I would think that they would have figured many people would be driving down that day to spend New years Eve here.
playaperro....I haven't seen anything definitive on HOW it happened.....heard a couple stories...but wouldn't relay them unless I was confident they were accurate.
Mexican Highway 8 is heavily patrolled by multi-agency police agencies, from the local to the federal level, using both marked and unmarked vehicles. With little coordination effort, the highway could and should be INSTANTLY sealed in the event of an incident.
Fear of retaliation is another factor that could hinder apprehension of the culprits, depending on WHO the culprits are.
Just got back from the border escorting my daughter and her mom there...coming back, saw 1 federale highway patrol.
I did see a weird vehicle when I was coming back to Penasco ....it was a dark sedan, with Senora plates, but it had a light inside on the back deck...with the dome, blue in color.....one of those rotating lights....have never seen that before.....
The local police were also set up with a roadblock in Sonoyta, just before the shortcut past the stores (before the Arizona market)....they were checking the Mexican cars.
Okay...it's been over a week since the car hijacking, and no additional information has been posted....so I'm providing a link that has some information....take it with a grain of salt, considering the website that it was on....but some of the info matches up with stuff I heard while I was down over New Years....
and on a lighter note we were in Rocky point December 30- thru Jan 5 Felt very safe wonderful weather and not many tourists......but I can tell you this is starting to make us very nervous.........along with other people who go with us to Rocky Point. Going to have to watch very carefully over the next few months to see what the Mexican Government will do before we decide to return.....
so I'm providing a link that has some information....take it with a grain of salt, considering the website that it was on....but some of the info matches up with stuff I heard while I was down over New Years....
The Israel's site would be a lot more effective if they weren't so strident about it.
I believe the bit about the bullet holes is not true. I personally visited with they guy who got away. There was no mention of weapons being fired, waved about yes, fired no. He was shaken up of course, but reported that it would not deter him from visiting again.
How were they pulled over? I don't think they used flashing lights....
I was looking for an old post of mine - didn't find it - where I told the story about one of my sons' conversation with Francisco Hernandez at our house where Francisco was bragging about a Ford Mustang he had given a friend and they were installing flashing lights to pull over tourists. The conversation between my son the the ladron took place several years ago, but he just told us about it last year. Sounded to me like the pretend police in the states who buy a Crown Vic, equip it with a light bar, buy police gear at the store, and pull over unsuspecting folks. That may answer your question, Playa.
<<The owner of the "subject" vehicle frequents Rocky Point because of invested interests in the area. This is the 3rd vehicle that they have had stolen in the Rocky Point area and none have been recovered>>
What might be very interesting Terry, is the circumstances of the other two thefts... How many years have many of us been on this, and the other forum, and going down for years without hearing personally about any car thefts, not alone one person having three stolen. Stranger things have happened for sure, but man, that's some long odds.
Okay...it's been over a week since the car hijacking, and no additional information has been posted....so I'm providing a link that has some information....take it with a grain of salt, considering the website that it was on....but some of the info matches up with stuff I heard while I was down over New Years....
I think we deserve to know the HOW of the car jacking so that we may have a chance to protect ourselves or avoid it happening to us!
A friend of mine knew our family traveled to Rocky Point regularly for vacations and today he told me about his family friends who were carjacked just over a week ago in Sonora. They had 2 children (one a baby). The carjackers had guns, and while the mother tried to speed up, it became too dangerous and she stopped. The armed men took their vehicle, belongings, including passports. I share some of this story only because it does seem to match the link that you sent, and quite frankly, I was shocked as I have never had a bad experience traveling to Rocky Point. Can I verify the information that my friend shared? No, but he had absolutely no reason that I can think of to fabricate this story.
Rosy finds herself in the position Chief Brody filled in "Jaws" The town fathers don't want the shark reports to scare off the tourists and wreck the season on the island...move along everybody nothing to see here...
Wahoo are you ready for the World Cup?
Rosy finds herself in the position Chief Brody filled in "Jaws" The town fathers don't want the shark reports to scare off the tourists and wreck the season on the island...move along everybody nothing to see here...
Wahoo are you ready for the World Cup?
Yea, well Brody lived to make Jaws II, Jaws III, etc., didn't he?
A friend of mine knew our family traveled to Rocky Point regularly for vacations and today he told me about his family friends who were carjacked just over a week ago in Sonora. They had 2 children (one a baby). The carjackers had guns, and while the mother tried to speed up, it became too dangerous and she stopped. The armed men took their vehicle, belongings, including passports. I share some of this story only because it does seem to match the link that you sent, and quite frankly, I was shocked as I have never had a bad experience traveling to Rocky Point. Can I verify the information that my friend shared? No, but he had absolutely no reason that I can think of to fabricate this story.
Sonora is a pretty big state. Do you know exactly where in Sonora? Or, might have you meant "Sonoita?"
Boy am I glad to read that. For all the years we've been traveling across the border this is the first time we had our apprehensions about going south. Also glad to read that the patrols are being stepped up.
RUDEE, that is like asking why were there 2 shootings in the last 48 hrs in Tucson?
NOW, to put it in perspective, lets follow the shootings in Tucson and see how long it takes for the police dept. to find the sicarios! then we can compare notes on each dept's efficiencia, we must take in consideration the obvious differences, like equipment, technologies, etc
Not that this is going to make a huge difference, but someone asked before in the thread "why is it taking so long to find the thughs"
RUDEE, that is like asking why were there 2 shootings in the last 48 hrs in Tucson?
NOW, to put it in perspective, lets follow the shootings in Tucson and see how long it takes for the police dept. to find the sicarios! then we can compare notes on each dept's efficiencia, we must take in consideration the obvious differences, like equipment, technologies, etc
Not that this is going to make a huge difference, but someone asked before in the thread "why is it taking so long to find the thughs"
In a general way i have a great distrust of the police and think they should all get a real job making real products rather than goof around all day,go to lunch for an hour and drive around the rest of the day checking out chicks but all and all the Tucson police are really really good at solving the big crimes...now the bull**** fire department...what a waste of money in the low density cities of the west.If we fired 90 percent of them and let the old crap burn down to be rebuilt to code with insurance the taxpayer would be better off by far.
From the Republics insane right wing Mexican hating commenters comes this pearl (and a offer of free help after the next time I'm caught peeing in the pool at Las Palomas)
apigueilFeb-19 @ 10:34 AM Report abuse 53
Allow me to give you a point of view from somebody who wasn't born in Rocky Point but is from MEXICO CITY (25 million people population and people here in the north hate us) living full time here for many reasons. I don't blame Americans for being scared because the Media is very powerful. I've been living here the last 5 years, and as i said, i come from a very very big city (10 times Phoenix). ---Here, i do not suffer stress
--- i do not fight with traffic
--- beach is 5 minutes from everywhere
--- work is 15 minutes from home
--- I have a perfect tan all year long
--- I can see my feet for the clarity of the water
--- In summer all the beach looks like a big jacuzzi
--- Cholla bay is a big lagoon when the tide is up
--- I can see a lot of sea lions alive!!! also dolphins, and other animals i used to read in the books only
--- Most of my friends are American living FULL TIME HERE (maybe they don't have tv)
--- I have only heard about 4 murderers in all the time I've been here, *** but everytime i turn the TV to the arizona news, everyday something happened, including shootings to minors, to students, to exwifes, etc; Here, they were all executions for drugs (if you are in drugs, or if you sell drugs soon or later will die for it). The ten bodies somebody talked about... were on the middle of the desert not even close of Rocky Point city.... what's the matter with you? ****
--- People here, even the sellers on the beach speaks at least two languages including english... and you american???
--- Bills here are $20 usd the minor one... in Mexico city $60 ... and in Tucson??? American complain about corrupt policeman, but you are the first ones in bribe them instead go to pay the bill that usually is less than that and only take 10 minutes at most. (there are no inocent americans in jail in Rocky Point)
--- Police Station is 10 minutes from Sandy Beach and there are bilingual people there. *** If you get caught speeding, driving drunk, or making scandal, you will go to the police station until you pay the bill JUST LIKE IN USA, only a few times you will be in custodie for 24 hours and is not big deal. (IF YOU GET SCARED WHEN YOU GET CAUGHT OR YOU THINK THAT THEY ARE NOT UNDERSTANDING YOU BECAUSE THEY DONT UNDERSTAND ENGLISH, CALL ME AND I WILL BE MORE THAN GLAD TO HELP YOU 011 52 1 638 105 40 80)
--- Mexican Laws are not as hard-to-follow as the American, But in Rocky Point they are even easier to follow (if you have any question regarding what you can or you can not do, feel free to contact me too and i will guide you)...
I can follow and follow.... I am not asking you to come, because i don't live from tourism. But i do think that when you make all those kind of comments, you only listen what you want to hear, you don't think reasonable.
Thank you. Enjoy your day in the pollutioned, noisy and crowded Phoenix. Me? I'll be having fun in Manny's all weekend.
These two guys also highlight real problems with the police:
onetwothreefourFeb-18 @ 9:51 PM Report abuse 18
After 20 years of going to RP, I refuse to return after Sonoyta's finest jacked me for $60 for "drunk driving" or we would spend "4 or 5 days in jail". I'm not sure how an unopened case of Pacifico freshly purchased at Valdez' qualifies as drunk driving. Sorry Roger Clyne, I''m never going back.....
It's not the old RP with the lit smudge pots on the road and the giant potholes!!
There is 1 reply to this comment. Collapse
natedogg222 Feb-19 @ 12:30 AM Report abuse15
haha dang man...but 60$ is better than 5000 here. Funny post tho. I can def relate. Everytime we go we get searched and they steal our bomb bud. But we never take it all from the princessa so its a good snack when we get back....
Rosy these posters are the Mccain haters on the right wing of the Republican party that want a closed border, unless that is they want (in my world) a subcontractor to rip ofl my outdoor concrete design element plan and grind out a substandard copy with 5 guys from Southern mexico with fake ID's making 8 bucks and hour.... Then they love the Mexican people! Me, my anglo partner and my South Tucson Mexican American friends (that work with me on bigger jobs and make 20 bucks an hour and up) get screwed again..
A lot of knuckle-draggers posting in that thread, for sure! Not even worth my effort to add a comment. Sadly, this *is* the view of many Americans on travel to Mexico right now.
I just read the suspects were arrested, no follow up though. /
Car jackers arrested to be held as an example to future would be assailants.
Ivan de Jesus Bojorquez Rios,
Oscar Adrian Sotelo Urias,
Jose de Jesus Barajas Reyes and
Alvaro Rios Morales.
El Montegraza, ElGuero, El Chuyin and El Nalgas?
Rios morales has a long crim history and not likely to see the light outside a cell for many years to come, all held without Bail,
Is the follow up; read all about it and feel safe,
Yes it is mentioned that this was the gang and they will be put as a show case against attempts at tourist.
Also on a side note I read a while back about 80% of the police force in RP was fired and replaced.
The old ways of corruption and mordida's would not be accepted as a way to police RP.
