Tijuana Municipal Police arrested two suspects wanted for a string of armed department store robberies on Wednesday afternoon near the entrance to Parque Morelos, one of the city’s most popular public parks.
Officers stopped a white MG vehicle and spotted a loaded 9mm pistol on the driver’s side floor. The traffic stop led to the detention of Irán Fernando, 34, and Berenice, 36, both Tijuana residents. Police identified the pair as priority targets linked to multiple robberies at Macroplaza, one of Tijuana’s largest shopping centers.
Suspects Turned Over to Federal Prosecutors
Authorities transferred both suspects to the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), Mexico’s federal attorney general’s office. The federal handoff points to likely weapons charges on top of the robbery allegations, since possession of a firearm without federal authorization is a serious offense under Mexican law.
Macroplaza is a major commercial hub located along Boulevard Díaz Ordaz in the Otay section of Tijuana. The center draws heavy foot traffic from local residents and cross-border shoppers. It houses department stores, restaurants, and a cinema, making it a frequent destination for both locals and visitors heading south from the San Ysidro port of entry.
Armed Robberies Remain a Persistent Concern
The arrest fits a broader pattern of armed retail crime in Tijuana. According to data previously reported by the city’s Secretary of Public Safety, armed robberies in Tijuana rose more than 13 percent between 2022 and 2023, climbing from 1,595 to more than 1,800 reported incidents. Police Chief José Fernando Sánchez González has noted that robbers increasingly use firearms, both real and replica, to target businesses and individuals.
Parque Morelos, where the traffic stop occurred, sits in eastern Tijuana along Boulevard Insurgentes. The park is a well-known recreation area with a zoo, playgrounds, and walking trails. It is roughly a 20-minute drive from the San Ysidro border crossing.
Police have not disclosed how many specific robberies the couple is accused of committing or the total value of stolen merchandise. The case now rests with federal prosecutors, who will determine formal charges.
This story was first reported by Punto Norte.