TalkBaja.com » Baja Mexico Forums » Baja News Wire

The facts on this story are slowly dribbling out. A US citizen who frequents a "granero" (feed and animal store) was kidnapped along with two others. He was being taken in a truck and saw a police car behind them- so he managed to jump out of the truck and the police rescued him. He took the police to the location where the other two victims were being held and said the ransom amount was $40K. The American has not yet been identified.

(Hey Spooked- was that a co-incidence or a convoy?)

Agentes de Rosarito liberan a secuestrados


PLAYAS DE ROSARITO BC. January 29, 2013 - The Municipal Chief of Police, Francisco Castro Trenti, reported that the Rosarito police rescued two men who were kidnapped by a band of kidnappers, two of them were arrested and one is still a fugitive.

He reported that the persons freed are in good condition. One of them is an American citizen and the other is a Mexican citizen.

On the kidnapping, he explained that at 3:30PM, municipal police were patrolling colonia Crosthwaite when they saw a person thrown from a moving car and proceeded to render help.

This person identified himself and an American citizen and said he escaped from the automobile because he had been kidnapped. He also said that in the Los Potrillos barn was a kidnapped relative of his.

The municipal police intercepted the vehicle and captured Pablo Gerardo Ramos Castillo, 23 years old, and Carlos Rodríguez Rodríguez, 20.

The police chief added that they implemented an operation at the Los Potrillos business, where they found the owner, Oswaldo Sánchez Mendoza, 21 years old, and a person gagged and tied hands and feet with brown tape. The owner was arrested and taken to the police station.

Castro Trenti pointed out that they acted in coordination with the State Attorney General to provide the information necessary to develop the investigation.

Great story........no one hurt.

A friend tells me this kidnapping may be the same CAF cell that kidnapped a Mexican restaurant owner a while back in Popotla. If the American victim's only connection was that he shopped at that granero, it's not good news. That granero is back in the hills of Rosarito, not the central area. This same friend claims the CAF is trying to make a comeback and the Sinaloans are taking them out. It's also believed the Barrio Logan gang leaders who work with the CAD live in the Rosarito area- no surprise to anyone. I don't know how to read street tats to see if they are Barrio Logan or just deportees walking around my area.

Originally Posted by Woooosh

A friend tells me this kidnapping may be the same CAF cell that kidnapped a Mexican restaurant owner a while back in Popotla. If the American victim's only connection was that he shopped at that granero, it's not good news. That granero is back in the hills of Rosarito, not the central area. This same friend claims the CAF is trying to make a comeback and the Sinaloans are taking them out. It's also believed the Barrio Logan gang leaders who work with the CAD live in the Rosarito area- no surprise to anyone. I don't know how to read street tats to see if they are Barrio Logan or just deportees walking around my area.

Attachment 3409

Thanks for sharing the news. This is a great forum!
So... Im thinking I should focus more on going further south. Im not easily spooked....Its not like all thats not happening up here (well its not in my little square of town but is all around). I hate to be a bug/bother but I think Im going to need someone (like you and Alonzo...or Caliente..oops I mean Tienementt..to hold my hand through my scouting search when I get there. Dinner n drinks on me! :)

Originally Posted by MonarchSalt

Thanks for sharing the news. This is a great forum!
So... Im thinking I should focus more on going further south. Im not easily spooked....Its not like all thats not happening up here (well its not in my little square of town but is all around). I hate to be a bug/bother but I think Im going to need someone (like you and Alonzo...or Caliente..oops I mean Tienementt..to hold my hand through my scouting search when I get there. Dinner n drinks on me! :)

As Dennis said, no one got hurt. I think there are still a few people missing down in Ensenada though. Why not retire to South Texas with the security, cheap rents and low taxes? If you are thinking you can cherry-pick a safe location in Baja, you are mistaken. It ebbs and flows. If security is a concern as a single woman living alone, I'd take some time and think it through. All females have a hard time down here with the Macho-male cultural thing in your face all the time, they'll know you before you know them. jmho.

Originally Posted by Woooosh

If the American victim's only connection was that he shopped at that granero, it's not good news. That granero is back in the hills of Rosarito, not the central area. This same friend claims the CAF is trying to make a comeback and the Sinaloans are taking them out. It's also believed the Barrio Logan gang leaders who work with the CAD live in the Rosarito area- no surprise to anyone. I don't know how to read street tats to see if they are Barrio Logan or just deportees walking around my area.

The guy may have ties to the US, but he's probably more Mexican than Pancho Villa.
It would be nearly impossible to convince me that the victims weren't connected to some criminal activity. They were not snatched randomly.

Originally Posted by DENNIS

The guy may have ties to the US, but he's probably more Mexican than Pancho Villa.
It would be nearly impossible to convince me that the victims weren't connected to some criminal activity. They were not snatched randomly.

They haven't released his name yet. They do a lot of cock-fighting out of the graneros and that's a rough crowd. The whole family that ran the granero we buy birdseed from in centro Rosarito was gunned down at the store a few years ago. Tougher business than it looks I guess.

Originally Posted by Woooosh

As Dennis said, no one got hurt. I think there are still a few people missing down in Ensenada though. Why not retire to South Texas with the security, cheap rents and low taxes? If you are thinking you can cherry-pick a safe location in Baja, you are mistaken. It ebbs and flows. If security is a concern as a single woman living alone, I'd take some time and think it through. All females have a hard time down here with the Macho-male cultural thing in your face all the time, they'll know you before you know them. jmho.

I didnt expect a response like that... but I do appreciate your honesty.

Originally Posted by MonarchSalt

I didnt expect a response like that... but I do appreciate your honesty.

It's not fun and games down here, esp. for a single lady living alone. Eight years ago I would have said it was an option. Safety and cheap rent do not usually go together. The rents at the agencies are cheap because many expats headed back north and had their houses for sale. In the meantime they'd rather have you live there than them. Just look at all your options. I don't know enough about other parts of Baja to point you in another direction.

Anyone else have thoughts on this besides me? Senorita Legs?

Wow! Thanks for sharing that Woooosh.

Not good news for the Rosarito Beach area. I agree with Dennis that there is likely more to this story but criminal activity - even when it's criminals against other criminals - doesn't help the overall security of the region IMHO.

I do think there are areas on the peninsula where a single female can live safely but right now I agree with Woooosh that Rosarito Beach is not one of them. Further south and stay within established, secure communities are a much better bet.

Been in the Ensenada area for about 8 years now, and have to think hard about any single females having trouble here more than in the US. Although Ensenada has it's share of problems, I feel that it is much safer than Rosarito (based on what I read and get from my local and state PD sources). Seems like the Punta Banda area folks look out for and take care of their neighbors.

Looks like feed & seed stores are on my avoid list......have to second the thought that there is probably more to the story than the guy buying bird seed for his parakeet.

Originally Posted by Teniente

Been in the Ensenada area for about 8 years now, and have to think hard about any single females having trouble here more than in the US. Although Ensenada has it's share of problems, I feel that it is much safer than Rosarito (based on what I read and get from my local and state PD sources). Seems like the Punta Banda area folks look out for and take care of their neighbors.

Looks like feed & seed stores are on my avoid list......have to second the thought that there is probably more to the story than the guy buying bird seed for his parakeet.

I hope someone down the peninsula has some areas she can consider. Dennis knows what PB is like.

We don't know what we don't know in these things. I doubt it would be reported north of the border until the facts are in. Not helpful to the State Department reconsidering it's travel advisory for the area.

Even with this event, it's not likely a tourist would be at risk. Detroit and Rosartio Beach have the same murder rates. If I'm only changing planes in the outskirts of Detroit, or having cocktails at the Rosarito Beach Hotel, I'm not likely to have problems in either city.

Interestingly enough, I've spent zero time in Rosarito....just drove past on the highwy on my way between La Paz & the states. Ensenada is the first place I've actually stopped & then just for a meal & hit the road again. From all that I've heard in the intervening years since I last made the drive in....OMG! I just checked dates on my pic files....late 2004, I sincerely doubt that I'd be willing to make the drive again & definitely not solo. If I did make it, my last northbound/first southbound stop would be south of Ensenada. On a trip with Mexican friends in November 2003, we got a late start crossing the border & were starving by the time we hit Ensenada. I was towing a car which was loaded to the headliner & the husband refused to leave my new SUV & his vehicle which was on a tow dolly, so his wife & I went into a restaurant & ate while he waited in my vehicle.

In 2006, the person who bought Casa #1 from me stopped in Ensenada to eat, parked a fully loaded Jeep Cherokee & cargo trailer on the street in front of the restaurant....unfortunately, neither she nor her co-driver were smart enough to insist on seating where they could watch the vehicle! When they came out about an hour later, the vehicle, the full load of household items & furniture, their luggage, including passports had been stolen....none of which was ever recovered!

Sorry, Teniente Caliente I know this is your stomping grounds & while I do feel bad dissing it, I'd prefer a fellow female be safe rather than sorry!! I realize that painting the entire border area with a broad brush may not be fair & may tick off some who live there, but IMO, there's simply too much cartel activity & locals who make a living preying on unsuspecting gringos in the border areas for me to relax & feel comfortable.

I'm not foolish enough to think that anywhere is totally crime-free....but there are many areas with much lower levels of crime, especially violent crime. I have NEVER feared for my safety or physical well-being since I moved the outskirts to La Paz in 1999 & I've never lived in; nor felt the need to live in; a gated or secure community.

MonarchSalt, the best location for you depends heavily on your priorities & what amenities are important to you personally. But if you feel a strong need to be that close to the border, maybe Woooosh is right & you might want to consider the other (north) side of the border, if further south isn't practical for you.

I now turn this thread back over to it's original topic! Please! Don't anyone ask my feelings on TJ!!

Originally Posted by Woooosh

They haven't released his name yet. They do a lot of cock-fighting out of the graneros and that's a rough crowd. The whole family that ran the granero we buy birdseed from in centro Rosarito was gunned down at the store a few years ago. Tougher business than it looks I guess.

The dog fighting fans as well. A few years back out in San Antonio de Las Minas, there was [perhaps still is] a house right on the road to the nursery restaurant, that had a dozen or so PitBulls staked out in a large front yard.
These animals had only one reason to be living.
These, cock fights, dog fights and horse racing are cartel diversions since they can be conducted away from the public....a place where cartel bosses won't go for fear of death or apprehension.

Plenty of single women that I know of living down here in the Ensenada area without any problems.....In fact, i can introduce you to several..........to each his or her own. Live where you like for various reasons and where you feel comfortable.

Most important thing is to visit the area you are interested in before you make the jump.

Originally Posted by Woooosh

A friend tells me this kidnapping may be the same CAF cell that kidnapped a Mexican restaurant owner a while back in Popotla. If the American victim's only connection was that he shopped at that granero, it's not good news. That granero is back in the hills of Rosarito, not the central area. This same friend claims the CAF is trying to make a comeback and the Sinaloans are taking them out. It's also believed the Barrio Logan gang leaders who work with the CAD live in the Rosarito area- no surprise to anyone. I don't know how to read street tats to see if they are Barrio Logan or just deportees walking around my area.

Attachment 3409

Apparently your comeback theory just may be correct. I worked in the Criminal Justice system for over 15 years in Los Angeles Superior courts (specifically Huntington Park, Southgate, Compton and Norwalk). The buzz, if you will, from sources I frantically contacted last night seems to match your theory. Sigh. I was married to a LT (LA) for many years. I know I can't bring the ol Glock or Sig Sauer over the border. Maybe I should cancel/postpone my March scouting trip. BTW in speaking to those colleagues (officers) down here, theres alot more going on (murder/kidnap) in Rosarito in the past 3 months than has been reported.

Thanks for all the input everyone! Im only 45 dammit..I've been in this early retirement stage for the past 3 years waiting for my kids to be settled and on their own! Dreaming of a nice gated community on the beach in mexico! Coffee,breakfast, lunch, dinner..everything..on a nice ocean view patio/balcony....not too far for me to see my kids (I say "kids" they are young men and woman now ha) a place just awesome enough for them to come see me!! Again..thank you for all of your help!

Originally Posted by Teniente

Plenty of single women that I know of living down here in the Ensenada area without any problems.....In fact, i can introduce you to several..........to each his or her own. Live where you like for various reasons and where you feel comfortable.

Most important thing is to visit the area you are interested in before you make the jump.

Thnak you...I think, if anything, I would just go check out Ensenada and leave the Rosarito part of the trip out. I planned to drive so I can really get the feel of the areas on my list but a flight from John Wayne to Ensenada may be smarter.

Originally Posted by MonarchSalt

I planned to drive so I can really get the feel of the areas on my list but a flight from John Wayne to Ensenada may be smarter.

I don't think any commercial flights land in Ensenada...

Originally Posted by MonarchSalt

BTW in speaking to those colleagues (officers) down here, theres alot more going on (murder/kidnap) in Rosarito in the past 3 months than has been reported.

Read Maggies blog for additional insight on day to day crime in the area:

Maggie's Madness Drug War Chronicles: Baja California (Norte)

Originally Posted by DENNIS

Read Maggies blog for additional insight on day to day crime in the area:

Maggie's Madness Drug War Chronicles: Baja California (Norte)

That is a great blog to get a recap on the news that the NOB press often ignores. Just don't say anything that sounds even slightly argumentative in the comments there else you will make her s**t list...