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An American citizen was severely injured after receiving 7 gunshot wounds in a shooting in a Playa del Carmen nightclub on Saturday evening. Police officers have arrested two suspects in the case. The incident, which occurred early in the evening in a popular downtown bar area, follows other similar incidents in recent weeks in Playa del Carmen nightclubs.
A U.S citizen is reportedly in serious condition after being shot in Tequila Barrel, a popular nightclub in downtown Playa del Carmen. According to preliminary reports, the victim received seven gunshot wounds when two armed suspects entered the nightclub and targeted the 38-year-old American. Authorities have launched an investigation into the case and have arrested two suspects.
The shooting took place at around 4:30 PM on Saturday in the nightclub, located in the heart of Playa del Carmen’s main tourist avenue. Police sources say that upon entering the venue, the assailants proceeded to directly target the victim without much hesitation or confrontation.
According to media reports, the victim is a 38-year-old U.S citizen from Texas, identified as Kevin Osvaldo Vazquez Díaz. The victim received 7 gunshot wounds, including shots to the shoulder, hand, head, and abdomen. An ambulance was called to the scene to attend to the victim, who sustained severe injuries and was taken to the nearby Hospital General. Doctors say his condition remains serious.
Police have arrested two subjects in relation to the shooting. The main suspect is believed to have shot the victim, and a second suspect, his accomplice, is thought to have played a secondary role. Both assailants fled the scene after the violent incident, seeking refuge in the nearby Mayte Hotel, where they attempted to evade law enforcement personnel. It was not long until units from the tourist police found the men and arrested them. Police officers also seized the weapon used in the shooting.
Troops from the National Guard and the Army were also mobilized to the scene, where they cordoned off the area in order to allow the state’s Attorney General to launch an investigation into the gruesome case.
Officials are now looking into the shooting and have detained several key witnesses in connection with the shooting. So far, at least one bartender, as well as the owner of Tequila Barrel have been detained for questioning. Although they are not suspected of being involved in the crime, protocol calls for their custody while investigations are being carried out.
Playa del Carmen Nightclubs Shocked By Crime Wave
Bars and nightclubs in Playa del Carmen have been making headlines recently due to several high-profile arms and drug trafficking cases. Just last week, police officers temporarily shut down two popular downtown establishments after weapons were found concealed within the premises. The incidents have raised questions about the safety of going out to party in the popular Mexican Caribbean resort destination.
Although largely safe during the daytime hours, certain risk factors increase at night, when drugs, alcohol, and partygoers create the perfect storm for criminal activity. Saturday’s incident is even more surprising considering it occurred during the daytime hours, which may have helped law enforcement personnel to arrest the assailants quicker.
Saturday’s shooting occurred in the vicinity of Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue, the town’s famous shopping street. Lined with museums, shops, and restaurants, it’s one of the must-see attractions in the resort destination.
Recent incidents will certainly prompt authorities to pay more attention to bars and nightclubs, which appear to be a target for organized crime elements. Visitors who choose the party town for its vibrant nightlife are urged to act responsibly, avoiding any illicit substances.
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