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A US citizen was seriously injured after sustaining 7 gunshot wounds in a shooting at a Playa del Carmen nightclub on Saturday night. The police have arrested two suspects in this case. The incident, which happened early in the evening at a popular downtown bar, follows similar incidents in recent weeks at nightclubs in Playa del Carmen.
A US citizen is said to be in serious condition after being shot dead in barrel of tequila, a popular nightclub in downtown Playa del Carmen. According to preliminary information, the victim received seven gunshot wounds when two armed suspects entered the nightclub and targeted the 38-year-old American. Authorities have opened an investigation into the case and arrested two suspects.
The shooting took place around 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the nightclub, located in the heart of the main tourist avenue of Playa del Carmen. Police sources claim that upon entering the scene, the assailants directly targeted the victim without much hesitation or confrontation.
According to media reports, the victim is a 38-year-old US citizen from Texas, identified as Kevin Osvaldo Vazquez Díaz. The victim received 7 bullet wounds, including bullets in the shoulder, hand, head and abdomen. An ambulance was called to the scene to attend to the victim, who was seriously injured and was taken to the nearby general hospital. Doctors say his condition remains serious.
Police have arrested two people in connection with the shooting. The main suspect would have shot the victim, and a second suspect, his accomplice, would have played a secondary role. The two assailants fled the scene after the violent incident, seeking refuge at the nearby Hotel Mayte, where they attempted to evade law enforcement. It wasn’t long before tourist police units found the men and arrested them. The police also seized the weapon used in the shooting.
National Guard and Army troops were also mobilized to the scene, where they cordoned off the area to allow the state attorney general to open an investigation into the horrific case.
Authorities are currently investigating the shooting and have arrested several key witnesses in connection with the shooting. So far, at least one bartender, as well as the owner of Tequila Barrel have been arrested for questioning. Although they are not suspected of being involved in the crime, the protocol provides for their custody during the investigation.
Playa del Carmen nightclubs shocked by crime wave
Bars and nightclubs in Playa del Carmen have been in the news lately due to several high-profile gun and drug trafficking cases. Just last week, police temporarily closed two popular downtown establishments after concealed weapons were found on the premises. The incidents have raised questions about the safety of going out to party in the popular Mexican Caribbean tourist destination.
Although largely harmless during the day, some risk factors increase at night, when drugs, alcohol and partygoers create the perfect storm for criminal activity. Saturday’s incident is all the more surprising as it happened during the day, which may have helped law enforcement arrest the attackers more quickly.
Saturday’s shooting occurred near Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, the city’s famous shopping street. Lined with museums, shops and restaurants, it is one of the must-see attractions of the seaside resort.
The recent incidents will certainly prompt the authorities to pay more attention to bars and nightclubs, which appear to be the target of organized crime elements. Visitors who choose the party city for its vibrant nightlife are urged to act responsibly, avoiding any illicit substances.
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