Tijuana municipal police arrested a 59-year-old man on May 14 after he allegedly pulled a loaded 9mm pistol on two drivers during a road rage incident in the Río Tijuana Tercera Etapa neighborhood.
The suspect, identified as Jorge Manuel, reportedly threatened the two motorists near the AutoZone parking lot in the commercial zone along the Río Tijuana channel. Officers responded after the victims called police and followed the suspect’s vehicle from a safe distance.
Loaded Weapon Found in Suspect’s Waistband
When officers arrived, they located Jorge Manuel and found the 9mm handgun tucked in his waistband. The weapon was loaded with 10 rounds. Police also impounded his white Ford E-150 van.
Authorities transferred the suspect to the Fiscalía General del Estado (FGE), the state attorney general’s office, where he faces potential charges for illegal firearm possession and making threats. Under Mexican federal law, civilians are prohibited from carrying firearms in public without a military-issued permit, which is rarely granted.
Victims Kept Their Distance
The two drivers who were threatened chose not to confront Jorge Manuel directly. Instead, they tracked his vehicle from a safe distance while calling 911. Their approach allowed police to locate and detain the suspect quickly.
The Río Tijuana Tercera Etapa area sits along the canalized Tijuana River near the Zona Río commercial district. The neighborhood is familiar to many cross-border commuters and expats, as it is close to major shopping centers and the Zona Río restaurant corridor.
Illegal Firearms a Persistent Problem
Illegal firearm possession remains a persistent issue in Tijuana. The city’s proximity to the U.S. border contributes to a steady flow of weapons entering Mexico. According to Mexican government data, the vast majority of firearms seized in Baja California originate from the United States.
Tijuana municipal police have increased patrols in commercial zones along the Río Tijuana corridor in recent months. Road rage incidents involving weapons, while not everyday occurrences, are a known risk in the city’s heavy traffic.
This story was first reported by Jornada BC.