Colombian Dies After Armored Van Robbery Pursuit in Mexico City; Three Arrested
Mexico City, April 3 – A Colombian national died and three men were arrested following a police pursuit related to the robbery of an armored vehicle in Mexico City. The incident, which took place on March 26, involved a high-speed chase through the city, culminating in a crash and the apprehension of the suspects. The death of one of the detainees was confirmed yesterday evening.
The event was initially reported by journalist Carlos Jiménez on April 1 and subsequently confirmed by the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) of Mexico City. The SSC released videos showing the alleged criminals driving against traffic on the second floor of the Periférico, a major highway.
The Robbery and Initial Report
According to information from the SSC, on March 26, the Command and Control Center (C2) Poniente received a report of a robbery in the Jardines del Pedregal neighborhood, Álvaro Obregón borough. A 56-year-old worker reported that he and his colleagues were about to deliver cash to a corporate building when several individuals intercepted them, threatened them with firearms, and stole two bags containing cash. Unofficial reports indicate that the stolen amount was close to one million pesos.
Of the four individuals involved, the SSC confirmed that three are Colombian nationals, while the nationality of the fourth has not been disclosed.
Police Device and Pursuit in the Capital
Following the report, C2 Poniente cameras tracked the four alleged perpetrators, who fled on two motorcycles. During their escape, they drove against traffic on the second floor of the Periférico. Police officers from the SSC and elements of the Industrial Banking Police (PBI) implemented a road closure in the Chapultepec Segunda Sección neighborhood, Miguel Hidalgo borough. This operation blocked the motorcycles’ path on Alencastre Street, where the driver of one vehicle attempted to evade the blockade, causing a crash that injured two of the suspects.
The police intervention resulted in the arrest of all four individuals, who underwent a preventive search in accordance with protocol. Officers secured:
- 2 motorcycles with provisional permits
- 1 plastic bag full of cash
- 2 short firearms
- 32 live cartridges
- 3 bulletproof vests
Injuries and Death of a Detainee
Paramedics from the Mexican Red Cross attended to two individuals, aged 26 and 40, at the scene. The medical report indicated fractures to the femur and tibia, respectively. Both were transferred under police custody to a hospital for specialized care. According to the SSC, the 40-year-old detainee, a Colombian national, later died at the hospital.
The other two men, Colombians aged 44 and 48, were detained and placed at the disposal of the corresponding Public Ministry agent. The recovered money was handed over for official counting to the Public Ministry, which will continue the investigation and determine the legal status of the detainees.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges related to security in Mexico City and the efforts of law enforcement to combat organized crime and armed robberies.
