Tijuana municipal police arrested a 15-year-old suspect on Wednesday, May 6, in Colonia Salvatierra, a residential neighborhood in the city’s eastern zone. The teen had been identified as one of the most wanted individuals in the area, accused of a string of armed robberies and stabbings targeting rideshare drivers.
Officers on patrol along Avenida Junípero Serra spotted the teenager tossing an object before fleeing on foot. Police caught him nearby and recovered 30 grams of crystal methamphetamine from the scene. He was turned over to the Baja California State Prosecutor’s Office (FGE) and will face juvenile proceedings.
Rideshare Drivers Targeted in Armed Attacks
Authorities say the teen is accused of armed robberies and knife attacks against drivers working for Uber and DiDi in Colonia Salvatierra. Videos and accounts of the attacks had circulated on social media in recent weeks, with drivers warning each other about the dangers of accepting rides in the neighborhood.
Rideshare apps are widely used in Tijuana by both residents and visitors, particularly those crossing from San Diego. Uber and DiDi operate throughout the city, though drivers in some colonias face elevated risks of robbery and assault. Colonia Salvatierra sits southeast of the Zona Río commercial district, roughly 15 minutes from the San Ysidro border crossing.
Juvenile Suspect Enters Justice System
Under Mexican law, suspects under 18 are processed through a separate juvenile justice system. The FGE handles initial investigations before cases are referred to a specialized juvenile court. Sentences for minors differ from adult proceedings and can include supervised rehabilitation programs rather than prison time.
The arrest comes as Tijuana authorities continue to grapple with drug-related crime across the city’s neighborhoods. Methamphetamine remains one of the most commonly seized substances in Baja California, with police frequently recovering small quantities during street-level arrests. Thirty grams is consistent with a quantity intended for distribution rather than personal use.
Tijuana’s municipal police have stepped up patrols in several colonias where social media reports of violent crime have drawn public attention. The case was first reported by Jornada BC.