From our perspective this does change our feeling about this 'little slice of paradise' - when I first awoke I thought it was fireworks from a party that went late in our complex. I went out our door and heard the chopper but couldn't see it (they had no lights on) - then the gatling gun revved up and fired towards the beach it what looked like the area near the Hut - with tracers richocheting off the ground and flying towards the Spa. I'm still in shock - I thought I was finished.
This is the closest I can find to the sound and visuals - the fact this went on for another hour or two with sporadic other gunfire for almost five hours will remain a memory for a long time.
We can't even leave - they aren't allowing anyone out right now.
We can't even leave - they aren't allowing anyone out right now.
Will we be back? Not likely.
Nice video.
Sorry to hear you will not be back. Yes.........this has to be the biggest event of this type to hit PP ever.
But you have to take into this into consideration: If it was in fact the drug cartel, you can bet they won't be back any time too soon with the kind of greeting they got. Sometimes it takes an event of this magnitude to realize just how vulnerable you are if you are the victim (9/11), or how powerful your adversary is.
The drug cartel may not want to mess with PP anymore.
As to the tanks report, there is a photo on Numero Uno of a Cholla Bay TANKER TRUCK that is plastered with real estate signs and sitting with door open, something running in the street. No caption on the photo.
It is amazing what a little excitement can do for this forum. Everybody has woken up!!
I have never seen this many people online at one time 39 as of now. LOL
a bit of humor to this.... When I went AzCentral.com to get channel 12 news, this was banner for me.
Probably due to my many searches on Google for lodging in PP
This is bad I'm afraid. Ch 12 news reporting as a major story right now on noon news. reporting 5 dead as of right now.
I will really hate hearing how the media will put there own spin on this. They will leverage this to the hilt for talking bad about PP and be pulling all the adds from the newspaper and cable for "come to Rocky Point"
I just saw a entourage of about 25 cars coming from Bella Sirena heading into town with a police escort. There is practically no one in my complex and no security no one even in the lobby. I am wondering if we should head out to. I notice the choppers are back.
I hope and pray that there are no incidental casualties or severe collateral damage.
Personally, I LIKE THAT IT SENDS A MESSAGE THAT OUR LAW ENFORCERS ARE NOT CORRUPT AND PUERTO PENASCO IS NO PLACE TO CONDUCT ILLICIT BUSINESS!!!
Ahhhh Marizco rears his mouth. Another US news story of one news man interviewing another because they know nothing and want to fan the fires of excitement to keep the numbers up. Remember you heard it FIRST at XXXX It was incorrect but you heard it first !!
It's certainly the kind of story that draws the Media Maggots. Bet Tim is on his way with a photographer, speeding along the Sonoyta highway. A feast of blood, shooting and helicopters.
Saw it all go down..Scary stuff but the Mexican military sent a strong message to the bad guys. Cartel members are not welcome to stay in Rocky Point. I saw hundreds of spent shell casings from the the Military helicopters mini gun all along the dirt road to Cholla Bay. The copter took out 2 cartel vehicles that fled the scene and were racing towards Cholla Bay. It appears the Cartels guys thought they could relax & stay at Bella Serena and the Mexican Military said no no no. I took a lot of photos of these cars close up and will post tomorrow.
I haven't heard from the HOA but I did hear that there is damage to the outside and to gates. Gee, I wonder if this means renter will want to come and stay in my unit so they can see bullet holes and relive the excitment. Bella has always been so quiet and boring.
I haven't heard from the HOA but I did hear that there is damage to the outside and to gates. Gee, I wonder if this means renter will want to come and stay in my unit so they can see bullet holes and relive the excitment. Bella has always been so quiet and boring.
Saw it all go down..Scary stuff but the Mexican military sent a strong message to the bad guys. Cartel members are not welcome to stay in Rocky Point. I saw hundreds of spent shell casings from the the Military helicopters mini gun all along the dirt road to Cholla Bay. The copter took out 2 cartel vehicles that fled the scene and were racing towards Cholla Bay. It appears the Cartels guys thought they could relax & stay at Bella Serena and the Mexican Military said no no no. I took a lot of photos of these cars close up and will post tomorrow.
Further validating my post in reply to canuk's
"We can't even leave - they aren't allowing anyone out right now.
Will we be back? Not likely."
Saw it all go down..Scary stuff but the Mexican military sent a strong message to the bad guys. Cartel members are not welcome to stay in Rocky Point. I saw hundreds of spent shell casings from the the Military helicopters mini gun all along the dirt road to Cholla Bay. The copter took out 2 cartel vehicles that fled the scene and were racing towards Cholla Bay. It appears the Cartels guys thought they could relax & stay at Bella Serena and the Mexican Military said no no no. I took a lot of photos of these cars close up and will post tomorrow.
Looking at the pictures of the white four door truck, it appears it crashed at the traffic circle heading toward town not toward Cholla. What's strange is that there are no police or military on scene.
You would almost think they had honed in on guzman or something...
Michel Marizco @borderreporter
Macho Prieto, an infamous strong arm for Sinaloa may be one of the dead in Rocky Point. Working to confirm. El Macho goes back a long ways.
OUCH!!!!!!
First time renter. Of all the shit to have to experience on you first visit. I'm sorry this happened to you all.
But look at this way, you were witness to probably the worst event of this type to hit PP ever and lived to tell about it.
Don't give up that easy. PP is a wonderful place. Ask anyone that has been going for at least the last 10 years. Next July will be my 10 yr anniversary as Rocky Point visitor. I was just there over the TG weekend. Yes, I am thankful I was not there with my family at the time of the event. I am glad to hear you were not hurt.
I just hope all causalities were confined to the bad guys.
I guess they figured nobody was going anywhere, so they moved on to more important matters.
Canuck, can't say as how I blame you, but I am a rather new visitor to RP, only about six or seven years, but this doesn't deter me one bit.
I've never been in cross fire though except for a silly incident on Okinawa, but these things calm down and it is one of the most delightful places.
Think about this...You could be walking down the street in Phoenix, New York, LA or Toronto and some idiot can sneak up behind you, play
" Knockout" on your head and you could be killed. I guess what I'm sayin is I would rather go out with a Sol Beer and some shrimp as my last memory.
Forget the home port. That is going the way of BoomerFest.
Nah, it's not going that way, the home port actually exists. Just a shame when there was so much of a positive direction and momentum for PP happening now. Shame too, that we all will probably incur more inconveniences in the months ahead. You can be sure security checkpoints will return and perhaps more stringent than in the past. Border will be a pain in the a** also. We'll see when I head down on the 28th. It will be interesting.
I did chuckle about the tanks outside of Cholla Bay, but in reality this would not deter me from coming back down for another visit. I think what is important to note is that this all began up at the border in Lukeville and they just ended up in Sandy Beach. So it wasn't like Sandy Beach was targeted for an attack. I do wonder though how the military's response will be viewed- Will it be seen as a message to the Cartel don't hang around Puerto Penasco? Or do you all think this could elicit a retaliatory response from the Sinaloa Cartel, especially if it was Macho that was killed, and target Sandy Beach somehow? This last question really has me wondering how they will respond.
Nah, it's not going that way, the home port actually exists. Just a shame when there was so much of a positive direction and momentum for PP happening now. Shame too, that we all will probably incur more inconveniences in the months ahead. You can be sure security checkpoints will return and perhaps more stringent than in the past. Border will be a pain in the a** also. We'll see when I head down on the 28th. It will be interesting.
I'm taking a wait and see attitude on the port. Let's see how this all shakes out and what the backlash is. Not sure they'll want to pump millions of dollars into a ghost town that nobody will go to. I hope it doesn't turn out that way, but this is not your typical shootout either.
Michel Marizco @borderreporter
Macho Prieto, an infamous strong arm for Sinaloa may be one of the dead in Rocky Point. Working to confirm. El Macho goes back a long ways.
There he is !! Love the photo. It' like a realtors business card !! The guy that fabricated a lot of crap about how much he knew about the cartels in Mexico to get a job!! You have no good information on this from what you are saying !! Nice to be interviewed on the news especially regarding a subject about which you know nothing but that never stops an intrepid newsperson now does it.
He's the one that 'confirmed' publicly the identity of the wife of a guy shot and killed reporting that she knew the identity of the shooters. Nice move the scoop. Fjortunately she went into hiding thanks to scoops scoop.
Members be aware that whatever rumor you report here may become important information in a story attributed to 'sources close to the event but not authorized to speak about it". There's a bad smell in here.
I did chuckle about the tanks outside of Cholla Bay, but in reality this would not deter me from coming back down for another visit. I think what is important to note is that this all began up at the border in Lukeville and they just ended up in Sandy Beach. So it wasn't like Sandy Beach was targeted for an attack. I do wonder though how the military's response will be viewed- Will it be seen as a message to the Cartel don't hang around Puerto Penasco? Or do you all think this could elicit a retaliatory response from the Sinaloa Cartel, especially if it was Macho that was killed, and target Sandy Beach somehow? This last question really has me wondering how they will respond.
Hmmm, the chief assassin of Sinaloa goes down in PP...... we haven't seen the last of this mess.
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I find it odd that no police or military is around, they are just left on the side of the road for all to see.
So much for collecting evidence and keeping a crime scene sterile.
I did chuckle about the tanks outside of Cholla Bay, but in reality this would not deter me from coming back down for another visit. I think what is important to note is that this all began up at the border in Lukeville and they just ended up in Sandy Beach. So it wasn't like Sandy Beach was targeted for an attack. I do wonder though how the military's response will be viewed- Will it be seen as a message to the Cartel don't hang around Puerto Penasco? Or do you all think this could elicit a retaliatory response from the Sinaloa Cartel, especially if it was Macho that was killed, and target Sandy Beach somehow? This last question really has me wondering how they will respond.
Thus far, cartels are not known for running scared but are known for retaliation. Nothing is over until it is over. Don't rejoice just yet.
what the fuk is wrong with the military and police to leave bodies laying around for all to see. that is just great for a family driving along and seeing that. unbelievable
Hmmm, the chief assassin of Sinaloa goes down in PP...... we haven't seen the last of this mess.
I cannot help but think that as soon as that vehicle crossed the border (or maybe slightly before) that U.S. intelligence tipped off Mexican Authorities about the vehicle and who might have been inside. I wonder if we knew who it was inside. If not, by looking at the photograph of the SUV, it is clearly a "Cartel vehicle," with bulletproof glass. I have to believe the Mexican authorities were told who it was, or that there was a high ranking cartel member inside, because for them to use the amount of force they did it had to be something big. Correct me if I am wrong, does the Lukeville port of entry open at 5am? Would this vehicle have crossed shortly after 5am, maybe even waiting at the border before it opened? It's hard for me to comprehend why a high ranking cartel member would expose themselves to such scrutiny at the border by waiting there while being eyeballed by CBP and ICE.
What is very very important to note is that the information about this mess that is available is scketchy and incomplete and never will be complete. The statement that it all began at Sonoyta is way way off base and Mr. Prieto has been around for many years and does not have the reputation of being the chief assassin of Sinaloa. With the newsies trolling around here it may end up reported as fact since there is little concern for accurace from that quarter.
The article mentions that the criminal organization "operates out of Rocky Point" Gee that does not sound good if true. Sadly it looks like a policeman was killed during the confrontation.
I cannot help but think that as soon as that vehicle crossed the border (or maybe slightly before) that U.S. intelligence tipped off Mexican Authorities about the vehicle and who might have been inside. I wonder if we knew who it was inside. If not, by looking at the photograph of the SUV, it is clearly a "Cartel vehicle," with bulletproof glass. I have to believe the Mexican authorities were told who it was, or that there was a high ranking cartel member inside, because for them to use the amount of force they did it had to be something big. Correct me if I am wrong, does the Lukeville port of entry open at 5am? Would this vehicle have crossed shortly after 5am, maybe even waiting at the border before it opened? It's hard for me to comprehend why a high ranking cartel member would expose themselves to such scrutiny at the border by waiting there while being eyeballed by CBP and ICE.
Now there's a lot of mindless conjecture contribution to the rumor mill. Maybe Scoop will report on it though.
Unfortunately the conjectures of interested parties contributes nothing to any reality. The news folk will make good use of it though as reportable 'fodder' to puke out. I really wish people would keep their musings confined to their kitchen table. It's certainly no service to anyone to blather.
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I find it odd that no police or military is around, they are just left on the side of the road for all to see.
So much for collecting evidence and keeping a crime scene sterile.
Good Video ADR
Crazy that people are just driving by "look dad, a couple of dead guys"
Thus far, cartels are not known for running scared but are known for retaliation. Nothing is over until it is over. Don't rejoice just yet.
My thoughts exactly. If I were the police chief, Mayor, or some other important official, I think I'd be layin' pretty darned low for awhile. Wouldn't be the first time we've seen retaliation attacks. There could easily be a convoy of Suburbans with red X's painted on the windows headed for Penasco as I type this. However, superior firepower (as demonstrated today) has a way of making for good neighbors and relationships.
Someone above mentioned Guzman. No way. The Sinaloa cartel is blessed by the powers that be and those same powers would prefer them to be the ONLY cartel (in the interest of keeping things peaceful, and of course, profitable). I'm going with odds that say the bad guys are all Zetas. They shouldn't have been in Penasco to begin with -- not their turf.
At least, that's what my Magic Eight Ball says. It never lies, but I can't stand it when it says "Answer unclear. Ask later." o_O
what the fuk is wrong with the military and police to leave bodies laying around for all to see. that is just great for a family driving along and seeing that. unbelievable
They were obviously more concerned about covering the action than protecting your US sensibilities from shock.
ummm... they just left the bodies there? If word of that gets out, it will hurt tourism as much as the shootout. Yikes
Knowing the showy, false bravado of the Mexican police who drive like bats out of hell in their trucks, sirens blaring and chirping, rifles hanging out the window, on their way to someone who rolled through a stop sign, it doesn't surprise me at all they left those bodies out there.
What surprises me is that they aren't out there getting trophy photo-ops with the bodies!
The way they shot up Bella Serena with those helicopters is unconscionable, and validates my prior point of their false machismo. Like a bunch of rag-tag Barney Fifes flying their toy helicopters around, shooting indiscriminately into a public area. Are you kidding me??
I am for the first time way more afraid of the untrained and highly unsophisticated police & military, than of the cartels.
They were obviously more concerned about covering the action than protecting your US sensibilities from shock.
not sensibility just common sense. I would not consider leaving bodies and evidence on the ground with no tape around as smart in any country. It is shocking that bodies are just left there with no one putting even a cone around them or a hello kitty blanket over them.
What is very very important to note is that the information about this mess that is available is scketchy and incomplete and never will be complete. The statement that it all began at Sonoyta is way way off base and Mr. Prieto has been around for many years and does not have the reputation of being the chief assassin of Sinaloa. With the newsies trolling around here it may end up reported as fact since there is little concern for accurace from that quarter.
Roberto, what information have you heard this did not originate in Sonoyta? And everywhere I read on the internet, including some journal based reports on cartel violence does state that El Macho being a high ranking cartel member- Just trying to sort out all the facts from fiction.
not sensibility just common sense. I would not consider leaving bodies and evidence on the ground with no tape around as smart in any country. It is shocking that bodies are just left there with no one putting even a cone around them or a hello kitty blanket over them.
Maybe it was still happening and they didn't even have a chance to close the road down yet.
I was there yesterday and had a really bad feeling the whole area was very tense there was also allot of very nice cars rolling around I even saw a brand new Rolls Royce by the fish market. My place is at Las Palomas. The weird thing is that I left at noon yesterday and on my way to Sonoyta and the boarder there was a convoy of police, military and federal agents headed to Rocky Point and they where going very fast and there was allot of them. I wonder why it took so long to go and get these guys.
It's today's story and if you read the comments, someone is claiming that as of 355pm today there were still shots being fired. Not sure from where but that's what the poster says.
Roberto, what information have you heard this did not originate in Sonoyta? And everywhere I read on the internet, including some journal based reports on cartel violence does state that El Macho being a high ranking cartel member- Just trying to sort out all the facts from fiction.
Hi AZ2010...maybe I can help with this confusion. Here is a report from earlier in the day, during all the carrying on that was posted.
Three people were killed in a shootout involving government officials this morning near Rocky Point's Sandy Beach area in Rocky Point, the Sonora newspaper El Imparcial is reporting.Sonora state police say the incident started after a chase of a man driving a white Chevrolet pick up truck with California license plates Tuesday night in Sonoyta, the border town near the border crossing at Lukeville.The police caught up to the vehicle on the Puerto Peñasco – Sonoyta highway at kilometer 85 when the passengers started shooting at the police, the newspaper reported, leading to a chase all the way to Miramar, in the popular tourist area of Sandy Beach. Two of the people killed were identified as Pablo Gómez Dominguez, 25, from Ahome, Sinaloa and Julio César Martínez Aguilar, 29, from Chihuahua, Chihuahua. The third person has not been identified. Police found two assault weapons, a bullet proof vest and a radio, El Imparcial reported.An American man who lives in the Esmeralda Resort complex on Sandy Beach told the Star today that he was awakened at about 4:30 or 5 a.m. by the sound of gunfire. It intensified and moved toward him, the man said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he is scared for his family's security. "I’m hearing gun fire and helicopters in the distance. It got closer and closer and closer. I looked back at the condos (further up Sandy Beach) from my front door. I look down the beach and see a helicopter firing into the resort area by Bella Sirena," he said. The gunfire went on for hours, and the man says he saw the helicopter firing what looked like tracers at the Bella Sirena resort.
The information in bold type was about an incident that occurred on November 21st. I left the day before and saw the write up after it happened. It was reported on here..
The second half of that account relates to today's activities. Now, if I am wrong would someone please show me how, but I think I'm right. I hope...
I was there yesterday and had a really bad feeling the whole area was very tense there was also allot of very nice cars rolling around I even saw a brand new Rolls Royce by the fish market. My place is at Las Palomas. The weird thing is that I left at noon yesterday and on my way to Sonoyta and the boarder there was a convoy of police, military and federal agents headed to Rocky Point and they where going very fast and there was allot of them. I wonder why it took so long to go and get these guys.
A Rolls in RP????!!!!! If and when I ever see a Rolls Royce in RP I'm going to immediately check out and go home. Either the cartel is in town or the President, either way I pry dont want to be there also.
A Rolls in RP????!!!!! If and when I ever see a Rolls Royce in RP I'm going to immediately check out and go home. Either the cartel is in town or the President, either way I pry dont want to be there also.
Thanks Jack! If that is indeed correct, this is absolutely insane because the major media organizations are reporting the Sonoyta incident as if it happened today. I am back here in Arizona watching and reading the exact same story.
Roberto, what information have you heard this did not originate in Sonoyta? El Macho being a high ranking cartel member- Just trying to sort out all the facts from fiction.
I also have no information that the chase did not originate on the Moon but that does not mean it might have!!:eek::eek::eek::eek:
Yes Prieto has been in the news and his name spoken here but there was a lot of icing on that cake there if you read it. Leading assassin ?? In point of fact, few outside of the organization understand the structure. I can assure you it is not a verticle organization with clear lines of authority and responsibility. The sneaky little newsies, like Marizco, are therefor free to fart in public about their 'inside' information and to create fantasies rather than fact. That gets them interviewed by ANOTHER NEWSIE moving them up on the newsrooms ranking and maybe a better job, Zowie !! The blind leading the blind, etc. etc. The US news has also prepped the general public that it is important to hear stuff quickly but accuracy is unimportant hence the frezied scramble for snibbits to create a story out of seconds after it ocurred. A lot went on here today and sorry to be the bearer of bad news, you won't hear about all of it, no one will, but yes it was bad.
You do need to be seriously aware that things have heated up here in Penasco, there have been some serous shootings and you need to take care and be cautious till it settles down again. I suppose viewing the bodies in the street might impress that message on but should not be necessary.
Macho bumped someone off in Sonoyta Tuesday night.
Interesting because in that previous chase from Sonoyta to Mile Post 85 those guys had bumped off someone in Sonoyta. Maybe a good time to buy property in Sonoyta if there's anyone left to sell it.
A lot of speculation on this board from people who have nothing more to entertain themselves...This is indeed bad news, but as Roberto has pointed out, we will probably never know a whole lot, almost none know as much as the beach dog.
The jumbled conflicting and confusing information that has been offered and reviewed here really illustrates how rushing to a description of what occurred results in confusion and misinformation.
Shocking to me that some AH###s rush out to video or photo it to share with the world. No respect for the poor deceased souls from any front.
Respect for the poor deceased souls, really?
You mean the vermin who murder in cold blood, and destroy nice little beach towns?
I say put their rotting corpses up for the world to see. Maybe some of their brethren will think long and hard about how they might wind up. That is, bloated, bloody and blown up next to an atv rental stand and a pina colada tiki bar
I've been away from Puerto Penasco for a long time but everyone assures me that it's safe as it ever was.
What is the best way to avoid helicopter gunships and rolling gun battles while I am there?
Should I bring my flare gun and travel in a convoy?
I used to really enjoy the strip clubs on Calle 13, if I dress in all red, white, and blue & wave an American flag, will they aim elsewhere?
If I want to go sailing, is the harbor a safe place?
If I pull out Mexicoruss' business card, am I guaranteed that they will reconsider shooting me in the back of the head and dumping me in the dunes?
I drive a nice Ford F250 and toyhauler, has anyone ever been carjacked for a nice ride like mine?
I like to stay in the trailer parks, any special precautions I should take to make sure my truck isn't stolen?
I hear nothing ever happens in the tourist areas, where exactly are the non-tourist areas and are there bullet impregnable berms surrounding them?
It used to take me less than three hours from Gilbert to be on the beach in RP, how long can I expect now with the enhanced border security and why shouldn't I go to Hawaii instead?
What if I need healthcare while I am there, are the hospitals accessible?
I have a weak stomache and cannot stand the sight of dead bodies, what areas should I avoid so that I don't see any?
I never hear anything bad about Rocky Point and don't trust those lying Government travel warnings, so anything you can tell me to make my trip an enjoyable one will be most helpful.
My son's 4x4 Tahoe was stolen a few weeks back, we just recovered it from a tow storage lot on the Gu Vo reservation
it was 25 miles SE of Why. It still had Mota buds in it. That was after it had a complete go thru by Sell's Police and US Customs.
The SOB's drove it hard through the desert, it is pretty trashed. After repairing it, I am going to get a new plate for it and pray it doesn't
get the complete search every time it crosses back into the US. It see's RP 5-6x per year.
First time that happens it will be listed for sale.
You mean the vermin who murder in cold blood, and destroy nice little beach towns?
I say put their rotting corpses up for the world to see. Maybe some of their brethren will think long and hard about how they might wind up. That is, bloated, bloody and blown up next to an atv rental stand and a pina colada tiki bar
Well lets not turn it into a rant sorry for my comment !
I've been away from Puerto Penasco for a long time but everyone assures me that it's safe as it ever was.
What is the best way to avoid helicopter gunships and rolling gun battles while I am there?
Should I bring my flare gun and travel in a convoy?
I used to really enjoy the strip clubs on Calle 13, if I dress in all red, white, and blue & wave an American flag, will they aim elsewhere?
If I want to go sailing, is the harbor a safe place?
If I pull out Mexicoruss' business card, am I guaranteed that they will reconsider shooting me in the back of the head and dumping me in the dunes?
I drive a nice Ford F250 and toyhauler, has anyone ever been carjacked for a nice ride like mine?
I like to stay in the trailer parks, any special precautions I should take to make sure my truck isn't stolen?
I hear nothing ever happens in the tourist areas, where exactly are the non-tourist areas and are there bullet impregnable berms surrounding them?
It used to take me less than three hours from Gilbert to be on the beach in RP, how long can I expect now with the enhanced border security and why shouldn't I go to Hawaii instead?
What if I need healthcare while I am there, are the hospitals accessible?
I have a weak stomache and cannot stand the sight of dead bodies, what areas should I avoid so that I don't see any?
I never hear anything bad about Rocky Point and don't trust those lying Government travel warnings, so anything you can tell me to make my trip an enjoyable one will be most helpful.
Sub
Sub! where have you been/ after you got kicked out of the forum island I thought I would hear from you again one day.
I've been away from Puerto Penasco for a long time but everyone assures me that it's safe as it ever was.
like mine?
Sub
Well the blood and gore sure brings out the maggots and buzzards. Take it to Rants please. Oh first let me mention WAL MART, WAL MART, WAL MART. That will get you frothing at the mouth !! Ja ja ja ja
